Wärtsilä Supplying Two New Ferries

Wärtsilä will supply engines and related emissions control after-treatment systems for two new passenger ferries being built for operation between Switzerland and France across Lake Geneva.

The ferries are being built at the Shiptec AG yard in Switzerland for General Navigation Co. (CGN), a Swiss ferry operator based in Lausanne.

The high-speed Wärtsilä 14 engines chosen for this project are compliant with the stringent EU Stage 5 emissions standard for inland waterway vessels, which came into force in the EU earlier this year. The 60-m long, 700 passenger capacity vessels will incorporate advanced hybrid energy and propulsion systems.

The battery systems supplied by Leclanché use high-energy G-NMC lithium-ion cells with unique safety features, including a bi-cellular laminate design and ceramic separators. Leclanché specifically designs and manufactures systems certified for use in the aquatic environment (Class Type Approved and Certified Marine Rack Systems (MRS)), including fire prevention and extinguishing systems.

High efficiency and environmental compliance were key factors in the selection of this engine, the company said.

“Environmental sustainability was strongly emphasized in the specifications for this newbuild project. We are, therefore, extremely pleased and proud that the Wärtsilä 14 engine was selected to provide the power and reliability needed while complying with the EU Stage V emissions standard,” said Johan Penninga, account manager, Wärtsilä Marine Power.

The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery beginning in summer 2021, and the first vessel is expected to commence commercial operations in December 2022. The second ferry will be delivered approximately one year later.

The Wärtsilä 14 is the most compact engine in its power range in the marine market, serving both propulsion and auxiliary genset applications, according to the company. The engine is an integral element within Wärtsilä’s Smart Marine vision for the future of shipping, whereby optimal efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability will be the key pillars in achieving and maintaining profitable operations for ship owners and operators around the world.

The Wärtsilä 14 high-speed engine is available in 12- and 16-cylinder configurations, having a power output between 749 and 1340 kWm in mechanical propulsion, and between 675 and 1155 kWe in auxiliary generating set and diesel-electric propulsion applications.