Dual-fuel system for aluminium catamaran

Technology giant Wärtsilä Corporation will supply the engines, waterjets, and fuel storage and supply system for a new high-speed catamaran ferry that will carry 2,100 passengers and 226 cars between Argentina and Uruguay.

The new-high speed catamaran ferry will be the world’s largest and greenest vessel of its type

© INCAT

The 130m x 32m vessel is the largest ever built at the Incat yard in Tasmania, Australia, and is being built for Argentine ferry operator Buquebus. 

 Its LNG fuel system will be supplied by Buquebus’s own LNG plant, which Wärtsilä says will make it Tier III compliant, thus and able to operate in emission control areas.

“We have selected Wärtsilä waterjets many times in the past, and have always been extremely satisfied with their performance,” said Tim Burnell, Incat’s CEO. “This though is the first time we will include Wärtsilä engines, and we are excited about the potential they provide. This will be the world’s largest and greenest vessel of its type, and we are very happy to be working with Wärtsilä to make the project a huge success.”

“This is indeed an exciting project. Our latest WXJ generation axial flow waterjets reduce the installation footprint on average by approximately 25 percent, compared to non-axial flow jet designs. They also give a higher power-to-weight ratio, and come with an advanced Propulsion Control System. Combining this with our highly efficient, fuel flexible engines, means that it is a truly future-proof investment,” said Mikko Mannerkorpi, General Manager, Sales, Wärtsilä Marine Power.

The Wärtsilä 31DF is the most powerful engine in its class, Wärtsilä says, with a power output ranging from 4.6 to 9.6 MW at 720 and 750 rpm.