Wärtsilä was selected to supply propulsion solutions for nine new ferries for the Grimaldi Group, a fleet under construction at the Weihai Shipyard Co., Ltd., owned by China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group.
The order is part of Grimaldi’s fleet renewal program, focused on reducing emissions and preparing its operations for alternative fuels. Four vessels will be assigned to Grimaldi Lines, three to Finnlines, and two to Minoan Lines.
46F motors for flexible operation
The nine ferries will be equipped with Wärtsilä 46F engines, designed for high efficiency and fuel flexibility. This capability allows them to operate on sustainable fuels such as methanol, a crucial advantage as maritime environmental regulations evolve.
In addition, Wärtsilä will supply propulsion systems, hybrid exhaust gas scrubbers, and transverse thrusters. This equipment will improve regulatory compliance, optimize berthing maneuvers, and maintain efficiency on routes with varying operational demands.
Finnlines will incorporate a hybrid electric system
Meanwhile, the three Finnlines vessels will feature a fully integrated hybrid electric system. This solution aims to increase propulsion efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and support more sustainable operations on the Helsinki-Travemünde route.
The company will also deliver two gearboxes, two variable-pitch propellers with shaft lines, and the ProTouch remote control system. The integration of these components will improve the energy efficiency of the propulsion system.
Fleet renewal with a focus on decarbonization
The project is based on early collaboration between Wärtsilä and the Grimaldi Group, from the initial design phase. The aim was to align technical, operational, and lifecycle requirements before the vessels were built.
According to Wärtsilä, ferry operators need availability, efficiency, and compliance with emissions standards on changing routes. Therefore, the company is offering a solution compatible with various fuels and low-emission technologies.
Expected deliveries between 2026 and 2028
Wärtsilä will supply the equipment for the nine ferries between 2026 and 2028, Finnlines operates RoPax ferries between Finland and Germany, Minoan Lines covers passenger routes in Greece and Grimaldi Lines connects Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Greece and Tunisia.
With this contract, Wärtsilä reinforces its participation in naval propulsion projects focused on energy efficiency, alternative fuels and maritime decarbonization.
Source and photo: Wartsila
