Firm to provide propulsion machinery and engineering services package for CMAL ferries
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Wärtsilä is to provide propulsion machinery and engineering services package for the first UK-built dual-fuel ropax ferries, which will be operated by Scotland-based Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL).
To be built by Ferguson Marine Engineering at its yard in Glasgow, Scotland, the two 102-metre-long vessels will each be equipped with two six-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF main engines capable of operating on either LNG or conventional diesel fuels, and two six-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF auxiliary engines. In addition to a twin screw dual-fuel mechanical propulsion driveline, both ferries will feature horizontally offset gearboxes, shaft lines, seals and bearings, controllable pitch propeller systems (including the Wärtsilä Energopac optimised propulsion and manoeuvring system), tunnel thrusters, and the Wärtsilä LNGPac storage and supply system.
Wärtsilä will also deliver extended engineering and site support services.
“These Wärtsilä solutions promote environmental sustainability through the use of the latest marine propulsion technology,” said Aaron Bresnahan, vice president of sales at Wärtsilä Marine Solutions. “By integrating the various systems we are able to optimise the operational efficiencies, thereby reducing fuel consumption and minimising the vessels’ environmental footprint.”
CMAL’s ferries are scheduled to enter service along the west coast of Scotland during the second half of 2018.
“This project highlights the fact that high-end, technologically advanced commercial shipbuilding is again present in Scotland,” said Liam Campbell, managing director of Ferguson Marine Engineering. “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.”