By
Alex Smith |
Technology group Wärtsilä will supply dual-fuel engines and axial flow waterjets for Baleària’s high-speed ro-pax ferry.
Margarita Salas is currently being built at the Astilleros Armon Gijon yard in Spain. It will have the same dimensions as its sister vessel Eleanor Roosevelt, which at 123 metres long is currently the longest high-speed ferry in the world. However, the new vessel’s engines will provide ten per cent greater power and increased fuel efficiency.
“This new ship will combine the most competitive features of the Eleanor Roosevelt with a series of innovations in its design and engineering to enhance the customer experience,” said Pablo Garcia, new builds project manager at Baleària.
The Wärtsilä scope of delivery includes four Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines operating primarily on LNG fuels, four Wärtsilä WXJ steerable-reversible inboard hydraulic waterjets with Protouch propulsion control system and two LNGPac fuel storage and supply systems. The propulsion system will enable the vessel to reach a service speed of 35 knots.
“It is an honour to have been selected as the integrated drivetrain package supplier for this state-of-the-art vessel,” said Jesus Puelles, general manager of sales for Spain at Wärtsilä. “We have been able to offer superior technical performance, the best power-to-weight ratio, the best overall equipment efficiency, and enhanced integration support. This represents a value proposition that will make this new ferry superbly efficient.”