Wärtsilä Propulsion for First UK Dual-fuel Ships

he first ever UK domestic dual-fuelled new build vessels will feature fully integrated Wärtsilä propulsion machinery packages. Wärtsilä will also supply extended engineering and site support services. The two ships, both 102 metre long ro-ro passenger ferries, are being built for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) based in Port Glasgow, Scotland. The contracts with Wärtsilä were recorded in December 2015.

Besides being the first dual-fuel vessels for CMAL, they are also the first ever dual-fuel ships to be built in the UK. These will be built by Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd. The yard is located on the River Clyde in Glasgow.

"This project highlights the fact that high-end, technologically advanced commercial shipbuilding is again present in Scotland. We value Wärtsilä's contribution as an important partner, not only in providing us with the latest dual-fuel technologies, but also through its comprehensive range of project support competences. The project is at the forefront of marine engineering within the global ferry sector," says Liam Campbell Managing Director, Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd.

"Wärtsilä is proud to have been selected as the major machinery provider for these new ferries, which represent a significant milestone for the British maritime sector. These Wärtsilä solutions promote environmental sustainability through the use of the latest marine propulsion technology. By integrating the various systems we are able to optimise the operational efficiencies, thereby reducing fuel consumption and minimising the vessels' environmental footprint," says Aaron Bresnahan, Vice President, Sales, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.

In addition to site support services, Wärtsilä will supply each of the two ships with two 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF main engines capable of operating on either LNG or conventional diesel fuels, two 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF auxiliary engines, horizontally offset gearboxes, shaft lines, seals and bearings, controllable pitch propeller systems (CPP) including the Wärtsilä Energopac optimised propulsion and manoeuvring system, tunnel thrusters, the Wärtsilä LNGPac storage and supply system, plus extended commissioning and engineering. The ships will feature a twin screw dual-fuel mechanical propulsion driveline.

The ferries are scheduled to enter service during the second half of 2018. They will operate on various routes along the west coast of Scotland.