Wärtsilä has been chosen by P&O Ferries (P&OF), the British ferry operator, to power their new ‘super ferries’ series.

The contract relates to two vessels and the order was signed in Q1 2020.

The Wärtsilä 31 engine will power the vessels. The high level of fuel efficiency of the engine also decreases exhaust emissions. P&OF has suggested that the new ships would be the most economical ships ever to navigate the English Channel, setting new standards for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

“We have worked closely with P&O Ferries and their naval architects on the design of these ships, and in their drive for greater efficiency and lower emission levels that can deliver more sustainable operations. The Wärtsilä 31 is absolutely the right choice for meeting these requirements.”

Karls Hinks, Sales Manager, Wärtsilä Marine Power.

Four 16-cylinder Wärtsilä 31 engines will be featured on each ship. In Q2 2021, delivery to the yard will commence. The engines will also be equipped with Wärtsilä Data Communication Units, which are assisted by the Expert Insight condition monitoring platform of the company, using artificial intelligence.

Predictive maintenance brings Expert Insight to the next level, optimizing uptime and lowering running costs.

The 230 meters long, double-ended RoPax ferries will operate between England and France.