Wärtsilä will supply the engines and fuel gas supply systems for two new Ro-Pax ferries built at Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) for Australian ferry operator TT Line Company
The scope of supply (for each ship) includes four Wärtsilä 46DF dual-fuel main engines, three Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel auxiliary engines and two Wärtsilä LNGPac fuel storage, supply, and control systems. The engines are future-proofed to operate on alternative green fuels as and when the availability evolves.
Wärtsilä Marine Power’s general manager Mikko Mannerkorpi said the order for LNG engines is a “clear reflection” of a trend in that direction.
The new ferries will have a capacity of 1800 passengers and approximately 2500 loading metre weight (lm) on two freight decks.
TT-Line is looking to renew its fleet by building two new 212 m-long vessels. The newbuildings will use the latest available technology with LNG fuel.
At present the company operates two ferries, Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II. Both operate with Wärtsilä engines, on the Melbourne (Victoria) - Devonport (Tasmania) route.
“Since 2002 when the current vessels were inducted into our fleet, the Wärtsilä engines have delivered both performance and reliability backed by strong service and technical support. Keeping in mind the IMO’s stringent emission targets for the future, TT Line has opted for LNG fuelled ferries. Wärtsilä’s depth of experience and broad portfolio of LNG fuel solutions for marine applications were prime considerations for us,” said TT Line CEO Bernard Dwyer.
Both ship will be built at RMC’s yard in Finland for the Australian ferry operator. The order with Wärtsilä was placed in June 2021. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2023, with the second one due a year later.
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.