Technology group Wärtsilä has announced two significant contracts in the maritime industry, marking a milestone in sustainable ship propulsion. In a groundbreaking development, Wärtsilä will supply the propulsion systems for the world's largest battery-electric ferry and the first-ever methanol-fueled hybrid RoRo vessels.
The first contract, secured in July 2023, involves partnering with Incat Tasmania to provide a comprehensive suite of innovative technologies for a new ferry, the Incat Hull 096. This remarkable vessel, with a length of 130 meters, will become the largest battery-electric ferry globally and the first zero-emission lightweight catamaran. Wärtsilä's scope includes an energy management system, power conversion system, DC shore charging system, 40-MWh battery modules, DC hub, eight electric motors, eight Wärtsilä axial flow WXJ1100 waterjets, and the ProTouch propulsion control system. Notably, the battery modules and energy storage system will be four times the capacity of any existing electric/hybrid ship, ensuring exceptional efficiency and environmental sustainability. The Incat Hull 096 will serve South American customer Buquebús, shuttling passengers and vehicles between Argentina and Uruguay.
Commenting on this achievement, Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä’s Marine Power business, stated, "The battery power pack that we are supplying will be the largest ever supplied with a unique eight waterjet propulsor configuration. The eight e-motor waterjet propulsion configuration is the most efficient available on today’s market for this speed range and type application, while boasting all the benefits from Wärtsilä’s axial flow waterjet technology – low weight, shallow draft, superb maneuverability, and low maintenance."
In another groundbreaking endeavor, Wärtsilä has been commissioned to provide an integrated hybrid propulsion system for two methanol-fueled hybrid RoRo vessels being constructed at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard for Stena RoRo, a Swedish shipping company. These vessels will be the world's first of their kind, capable of operating on methanol fuel and featuring ammonia-ready notation. The project involves the supply of two Wärtsilä 32M multi-fuel engines per vessel, methanol engine auxiliary equipment, gearboxes, controllable pitch propellers, bow thrusters, navigation systems, auxiliary engines, and a comprehensive hybrid electric system. Notably, Wärtsilä’s shore power solution will enable carbon-free operations while the vessels are in port.
Roger Holm expressed his pride in these innovative hybrid vessels, stating, "Both Stena RoRo and Wärtsilä share the same commitment to decarbonizing shipping operations, and these vessels represent a further step in this direction by being the first methanol hybrid ships in their class."
The vessels, measuring 147 meters in length with a 2,800 lane meter capacity, are scheduled for delivery in June and November 2025, underscoring Wärtsilä's commitment to advancing sustainable maritime transportation.
Source: dieselgasturbine.com