Finnish tech firm Wartsila said it would supply engines and other equipment for a new high-speed LNG-powered catamaran ferry ordered by Argentina’s Buquebus at the Incat yard in Tasmania, Australia.
Having an overall length of 130 meters, a width of 32 meters and the capacity to carry 2,100 passengers and 226 cars, it would be the largest aluminum catamaran ever built by Incat, Wartsila noted in a statement.
Wartsila won the order from Incat in July this year.
The full scope of supply comprises four Wartsila 31DF dual-fuel engines, four WXJ1500SR waterjets, and two LNGPac fuel storage, supply, and propulsion control systems.
Buquebus will employ this vessel between Argentina and Uruguay using primarily LNG fuel produced at its own LNG plant.
The vessel would also incorporate shaft e-motors powered via the main engine gearboxes taking further advantage of Wartsila’s LNG technology, it said.
Wartsila said it would start delivering the equipment to the yard in mid-2023.
The firm did not provide the price tag of the deal.
This is the second LNG-powered fast ferry for Buquebus. In 2013, Incat delivered the LNG-powered fast ferry Francisco to the Argentinean owner.
This vessel operates on the River Plate, between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay.
Incat won the contract for this second vessel back in May 2019.
