Wärtsilä pens maintenance deal for world’s largest double-ended hybrid ferries

Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has signed a lifecycle agreement with UK-based shipping company P&O Ferries that covers two hybrid ferries, M/V Pioneer and M/V Liberté.

As explained, the scope of the agreement with P&O Ferries includes parts and maintenance services, as well as maintenance planning, operational support and Wärtsilä’s Expert Insight predictive maintenance service.

This means issues can be identified before they cause a delay in the schedule. Delays are a big pain point for ferry operators because delays mean they need to make up the time through increasing speed which, consequently, results in higher fuel bills and emissions, according to Wärtsilä.

 The order was booked in January 2024.

“We are focused on making P&O Ferries the best ferry company in Europe and this includes doing everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment,” said Stephen Pitt, Senior Procurement Manager, P&O Ferries.

“The ability to leverage Wärtsilä’s advanced digital solutions is central to this – helping us to improve vessel uptime, save fuel and decrease emissions.”

“Wärtsilä shares P&O Ferries’ commitment to decarbonising shipping operations. We are, therefore, extremely pleased to support these two environmentally friendly ferries by optimising their operational performance. The Lifecycle Agreement represents a partnership for highest operational efficiency, and the experts supported by digitals tools to ensure minimal interruption, as well as reliable and sustainable operations,” commented Lee Martindale, General Manager, Sales for UK & Ireland, Wärtsilä

Both vessels feature hybrid propulsion with battery power and four Wärtsilä 31 main engines. They are expected to produce 40 percent fewer emissions than the ships they replace. By ensuring their optimal performance, the agreement is to further enhance the ships’ environmental sustainability.

M/V Pioneer commenced commercial operations in June 2023, while the M/V Liberté is scheduled to enter service in early 2024.

The 230-metre long ships are the world’s largest double-ended ferries, and sail between Dover, England and Calais, France.