Wärtsilä ferry retrofit boosts efficiency

The upgrade of the Pascal Paoli, completed at the end of 2024, includes a twin screw controllable pitch propeller system, EnergoProFin propeller cap, new combinator curves and a controls retrofit, all optimised through computational fluid dynamics and confirmed in sea trials.

In real-world terms, the upgrades save an estimated US$7,700 per trip aligning with Corsica Linea’s goal of achieving a 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030.

“We are extremely happy with the efficiency improvements resulting from this Wärtsilä retrofit package,” said Xavier Esnault, energy transition project manager at Corsica Linea. “The fuel savings are important, both from a cost perspective, as well as supporting our decarbonisation strategy.”

Operating between Marseille and Bastia, the 174-metre RoPax ferry is powered by two Wärtsilä 46 engines per shaftline and offers multiple operational modes. Importantly, Wärtsilä confirmed that the retrofit had no negative impact on manoeuvrability, a key concern for ferry operators.

“Ferry operators, such as Corsica Linea, are looking to leverage technologies that offer minimal service disruption and a maximised return on investment, all while reducing their carbon footprint,” said Andrey Dudko, product manager, Propulsion – Wärtsilä Marine.

The retrofit comes amid growing pressure on ferry operators to decarbonise, with the IMO’s new Net-Zero Framework and GHG Fuel Intensity targets putting energy efficiency front and centre.