Finland’s Wartsila has secured a contract to supply dual-fuel engines and other equipment for Balearia’s second LNG-powered fast ferry.
Spanish ferry operator Balearia ordered the new LNG-powered fast ferry at compatriot shipbuilder Armon Gijon in October last year, saying the newbuild will feature four Wartsila dual-fuel engines of 9,600kW each.
This order followed the delivery of its 123 meters long sister vessel, Eleanor Roosevelt, in April 2021 and this vessel also has Wartsila’s engines.
Wartsila confirmed the order for the second ferry, Margarita Salas, in a statement released on Monday.
According to Wartsila, the order was included in its order book in April 2022.
While the dimensions of the two ships will be the same, the new vessel’s Wartsila engines will have ten percent greater power and increased efficiency, it said.
Also, the latest-generation WXJ Wartsila waterjets will deliver “even better performance.”
Overall, the ‘Margarita Salas’ will feature optimized speed and capacity and, like Eleanor Roosevelt, will operate on LNG fuel.
It will have a capacity to transport 1,200 passengers and 400 vehicles.
The contract scope includes four Wartsila 31DF dual-fuel engines operating primarily on LNG fuel, four WXJ steerable-reversible inboard hydraulic waterjets with Protouch propulsion control system, and two LNGPac fuel storage and supply systems.
According to Wartsila, the axial flow of its waterjets reduces the installation footprint by an average of 25 percent compared to conventional systems.
Furthermore, the propulsion system will enable the vessel to reach a service speed of 35 knots.
Wartsila did not reveal the price tag of the contract.
