Wärtsilä to power new super ferries

The two new vessels will be powered by the Wärtsilä 31 engine, recognised by Guinness World Records as being the world’s most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine which is said to reduce exhaust emissions though its high level of fuel efficiency.

P&OF has stated that the new vessels “will be the most sustainable ships ever to sail the English Channel, setting new standards for reliability and cost efficiency.”

“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,” said Karls Hinks, sales manager at Wärtsilä Marine Power.

Each ship will feature four 16-cylinder Wärtsilä 31 engines. Delivery to the yard will commence in Q2 2021. The engines will also be fitted with Wärtsilä Data Communication Units, which use artificial intelligence and are supported by the company’s Expert Insight condition monitoring platform.

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