Wartsila power for first U.K-built dual fuel ships

MAY 9, 2016 — Two 102 m RO/RO passenger ferries being built at the Ferguson Marine Engineering shipyard in Glagow for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) will be the first dual-fueled ships to be built in the U.K.

They will feature fully integrated Wärtsilä propulsion machinery packages. Wärtsilä will also supply extended engineering and site support services.

“This project highlights the fact that high-end, technologically advanced commercial shipbuilding is again present in Scotland,” says Liam Campbell Managing Director, Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd. “We value Wärtsilä’s contribution as an important partner, not only in providing us with the latest dual-fuel technologies, but also through its comprehensive range of project support competences. The project is at the forefront of marine engineering within the global ferry sector

“Wärtsilä is proud to have been selected as the major machinery provider for these new ferries, which represent a significant milestone for the British maritime sector,” says Aaron Bresnahan, Vice President, Sales, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions. “These Wärtsilä solutions promote environmental sustainability through the use of the latest marine propulsion technology. By integrating the various systems we are able to optimise the operational efficiencies, thereby reducing fuel consumption and minimising the vessels’ environmental footprint.”

In addition to site support services, Wärtsilä will supply each of the two ships with two 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF main engines capable of operating on either LNG or conventional diesel fuels, two 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF auxiliary engines, horizontally offset gearboxes, shaft lines, seals and bearings, controllable pitch propeller systems (CPP) including the Wärtsilä Energopac optimized propulsion and maneuvering system, tunnel thrusters, the Wärtsilä LNGPac storage and supply system, plus extended commissioning and engineering.

The ships will feature a twin screw dual-fuel mechanical propulsion driveline.The ferries are scheduled to enter service during the second half of 2018. They will operate on various routes along the west coast of Scotland.