Qtagg to overhaul cruise ferry’s propulsion

The overhaul on board Silja Europa includes engine speed governors, fuel rack actuators, pitch control and voyage optimisation with EcoPilot. Annual savings are expected to be around 6% in fuel use, reducing emissions by 2,096 tonnes.

The Silja Europa is Tallink’s largest cruise vessel and is currently being used by the Netherlands to house migrants and refugees. Plans are to bring it back into regular service hence a technical review which has led to the decision to replace the existing system with more up-to-date technology.

Qtagg will supply the EcoPilot voyage optimisation system, with interfaces both at the bridge and in the control room, four DEGO IV engine governors, four ASAC actuators with control units, two pitch control units and any ancillary equipment.

Fuel savings of around 6% are anticipated, in line with the performance of the Tallink Isabelle where EcoPilot is already installed. The savings are achieved through optimised propulsion, based on data such as real-time weather forecasts, sea state and ship data.

Once the captain has selected a route it is executed through the propulsion control system, and the optimal propeller speed and pitch position is applied over the complete course of the voyage.