The technology group Wärtsilä has been contracted by Remontowa shipyard in Poland to supply engines, fuel storage and supply systems for three new ro-pax vessels, the first LNG-fuelled ro-pax vessels to be built for the Polish maritime sector.
The ships will be operated by ferry companies Unity Line and Polferries. The contract with Wärtsilä was signed in January 2022.
The vessels will each operate with four highly efficient Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines. The LNG-fuelled engines can use bio-LNG, either on its own or blended with conventional LNG, to further reduce their carbon footprint. The operators intend to run the vessels entirely on bio-LNG by 2025.
The efficiency of the Wärtsilä 31DF engine was a key consideration in the award of this contract.
The diesel version of the engine has been recognised by Guinness World Records as being the world’s most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine. Wärtsilä will also deliver its LNGPac fuel storage, supply, and control system.
Wärtsilä has taken a leading position in developing the technologies necessary for decarbonising shipping operations. The company sees LNG as an important transitional marine fuel, bridging the gap between conventional diesel fuels and future carbon-free alternatives.
The vessels will have an overall length of 195m and will be capable of carrying 400 passengers, with 4,100 lane metres for vehicles. They will operate between Swinoujscie in Poland and the Swedish ports of Ystad and Trelleborg.
