Wartsila scores contract for Balearia’s LNG-powered high-speed catamaran

Finnish engine maker Wärtsilä has won a contract to supply propulsion and other equipment for Spanish Baleària’s liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered high-speed catamaran.

The integrated scope of supply includes four Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines, four Wärtsilä waterjets, and the Wärtsilä LNGPac fuel gas storage and supply system, together with all the related auxiliary systems, according to a Wärtsilä statement on Monday.

The vessel will operate on four Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines, four Wärtsilä waterjets, and the Wärtsilä LNGPac fuel gas storage and supply system.

It will have a service speed of 35 knots, and a top speed of more than 40 knots. The storage tanks give the ferry a range of 400 nautical miles.

The equipment is scheduled for delivery to the Armon Gijón shipyard in Spain, where it is being built, in the latter half of 2019, Wärtsilä said.

When delivered, the ferry will be capable of carrying 1200 passengers and 500 cars, or trucks covering a length of 500 metres plus 250 cars.

Baleària will be investing 90 million euros ($102.4m) in the construction of this fast ferry, with aluminium cutting scheduled to begin in December, and entry into service in summer 2020.