Finnlines turns to Wärtsilä for Superstar hybrid package

Importer
The new ‘Superstar’ Finnlines ferries will feature Wärtsilä engines and hybrid systems. (copyright: Finnlines Plc)

The order for the engines was placed in July 2020, with the remaining Wärtsilä equipment ordered in September 2020.

The two Superstar vessels will operate between Finland and Sweden across the Baltic Sea. They will feature Wärtsilä 46F main engines, thrusters, and a state-of-the-art electric package.

This includes a hybrid shaft generator system comprising a fully integrated Multidrive capable of driving the shaft generators in both directions as motors and/or generators. The package also includes the thruster control system, and a highly efficient energy management system for performance optimisation. This will enable the vessels to operate free of emissions on either batteries or shore power while in port.

The 230 metres long ferries will be capable of carrying approximately 1,100 passengers and will have 5,100 lane metres for rolling freight. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard commencing in spring 2022, and the vessels are expected to enter operational service in 2023.