Wärtsilä Solutions Selected for Inaugural Methanol-Fueled Hybrid RoRo Vessels

Wärtsilä, the technology group, has secured a significant contract to provide an integrated hybrid propulsion system for two groundbreaking hybrid RoRo vessels. These vessels are under construction at the China Merchants Jinling shipyard (Weihai) Co., Ltd for Stena RoRo, a leading Swedish shipping company. What sets these vessels apart is their pioneering status as the world's first methanol-fueled hybrid RoRo vessels, destined to operate within the Stena Line Irish Sea system. This strategic initiative aligns with Stena RoRo's commitment to sustainable operations, combining innovative propulsion technology with the use of new eco-friendly fuels.

The order, which signifies a significant advancement in sustainable maritime transport, has been partially booked by Wärtsilä in the second quarter of 2023, with the remainder being recorded in the third quarter of the same year. These vessels will be equipped with cutting-edge Wärtsilä technology, including two Wärtsilä 32M multi-fuel engines capable of operating on methanol fuel and equipped with ammonia-ready notation. Wärtsilä will also provide the MethanolPac fuel storage, supply, and control system, along with gearboxes, two controllable pitch propellers (CPP), three bow thrusters, the NACOS navigation system, three Wärtsilä 20 auxiliary engines, and a comprehensive hybrid electric system. This system encompasses shore power, batteries, shaft generators, converters, transformers, and an Energy Management System, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.

Additionally, each vessel will benefit from the Wärtsilä Hybrid Solution, designed to optimize fuel consumption and facilitate future environmentally friendly operations. Furthermore, the vessels will feature Wärtsilä's shore power solution, enabling emissions-free operations while docked in port.

Per Westling, Managing Director of Stena RoRo, highlighted the significance of these vessels, stating, "These vessels are a further development of our previous cargo ship concepts where the focus on sustainability and futureproofing with multi-fuel combustion engines are prioritized.

Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä's Marine Power business, expressed pride in supporting these innovative hybrid vessels. He emphasized the shared commitment between Stena RoRo and Wärtsilä to decarbonize shipping operations and underscored the vessels' role as pioneers in their class. These vessels not only aim to minimize emissions but also prioritize efficient energy utilization during operations.

The two vessels, each measuring 147 meters in length, will boast a capacity of 2,800 lane meters and can accommodate a total of 37 passengers and crew members. Their delivery is scheduled for June and November 2025, with Wärtsilä's equipment set to be delivered to the shipyard in 2024.

Wärtsilä and Stena RoRo have a longstanding collaboration, dating back to 2015 when Wärtsilä converted the Stena Germanica to operate on methanol fuel. The two companies are currently collaborating on several other Ro-Pax projects, further solidifying their commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions within the maritime industry.