Wärtsilä to provide hybrid solution for new Isle of Man ferry

The vessel for Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is under construction at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard

Wärtsilä to provide hybrid solution for new Isle of Man ferry

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company/Houlder

The 132-metre-long ro-pax ferry is currently under construction at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard

By Alex Smith |


The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPC) has selected technology group Wärtsilä  to provide a hybrid solution for its newest vessel, a 132-metre-long ro-pax ferry currently under construction at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea.

Wärtsilä has worked with IOMSPC to develop a customised solution based on its requirements and the ship’s operating profile. The design will include the Wärtsilä 31 engine, which can utilise artificial intelligence and machine learning in its maintenance regime.

“We have selected Wärtsilä as their solution brings notable advantages in terms of system integration and operational optimisation,” said Jim Royston, fleet operations and project manager at IOMSPC. “It will also have the flexibility to take advantage of alternative future fuels as they become available. Wärtsilä has the experience to deliver a state-of-the-art bridge to propeller solution, along with the track-record needed for this complex newbuild project.”

The package from Wärtsilä will also include its Low Loss Concept power distribution system, an energy storage system and propulsion machinery. The company will also supply the NACOS Platinum integrated navigation system, along with a newly developed bridge console design and its Aquarius UV Ballast Water Management system.

“The Hybrid solution, combining highly efficient engines and energy storage, is increasingly being seen as a practical means for meeting today’s environmental and operating challenges,” said Karl Hinks, sales manager for Wärtsilä Marine Power. “This solution lowers emission levels and extends the time between engine overhauls and is an effective future-proof model for ship owners.”

The equipment from Wärtsilä is scheduled for delivery to the shipyard in late 2021. Once delivered, the new ferry will operate the route between Heysham, England to Douglas on the Isle of Man.

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