Wärtsilä is to supply a full propulsion package and LNG equipment for a new passenger ferry being built for Germany’s Reederei Cassen Eils GmbH.
The 80m ferry will operate between Cuxhaven and the island of Helgoland, close to an ecologically sensitive UNESCO World Heritage site in the North Sea.
Because of this, exhaust gas emissions need to be kept to a minimum so the vessel will operate primarily on LNG using two 9 cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF medium speed dual fuel engines.
Dr Bernhard Brons, chairman, AG EMS, parent company of Reederei Cassen Eils, said: “As the vessel must fulfil the IMO regulations regarding SOx and NOx emissions in the North Sea's Emissions Control Area, its operations need to be ecologically friendly with the lowest possible emissions. At the same time, perfect manoeuvrability and reliability are most important.”
The engines selected for the ferry are the latest generation of the Wärtsilä 20DF engines, offering increased output of 5% and a reduction of 7% in fuel consumption in gas mode, compared to earlier versions.
In addition, Wärtsilä will supply its LNGPac fuel bunkering and supply system, including its Cold Recovery System to provide operational savings and increase overall vessel efficiency.
The vessel is scheduled to be delivered and ready for service during the first half of 2015.
Elsewhere the company’s Aquarius EC ballast water management system has received International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Type Approval – an essential pre-requisite for the system to be used onboard ships.
Further testing will be carried out to ensure full United States Coast Guard (USCG) Type Approval.
