Wärtsilä to power first UK dual-fuel newbuilds

The 102m long ro-ro ferries will feature a twin screw dual-fuel mechanical propulsion driveline powered by two six-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF main engines, capable of operating on either LNG or conventional diesel fuels. Auxiliary power will be provided by two six-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF auxiliary engines. The company will also provide horizontally offset gearboxes, shaft lines, seals and bearings, controllable pitch propeller systems (including the Wärtsilä Energopac optimised propulsion and manoeuvring system), tunnel thrusters and its LNGPac LNG storage and supply system.

Wärtsilä will also supply extended engineering and site support services.

Liam Campbell managing director, Ferguson Marine Engineering, said: “This project highlights the fact that high-end, technologically advanced commercial shipbuilding is again present in Scotland. We value Wärtsilä’s contribution as an important partner, not only in providing us with the latest dual-fuel technologies, but also through its comprehensive range of project support competences. The project is at the forefront of marine engineering within the global ferry sector.”

Aaron Bresnahan, vice president, sales, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions, added: “These Wärtsilä solutions promote environmental sustainability through the use of the latest marine propulsion technology. By integrating the various systems we are able to optimise the operational efficiencies, thereby reducing fuel consumption and minimising the vessels’ environmental footprint.”

The ferries are scheduled to enter service during the second half of 2018. They will operate on various routes along the west coast of Scotland.

The Motorship’s recent interview with Mike Simpson, director of marine design at Houlder, which designed the two ferries and is working alongside Ferguson Marine Engineering during their construction, can be read here.