The technology group Wartsila has been selected by P&O Ferries, the British ferry operator, to power their new series of super ferries. The contract is for two vessels. The vessels will be powered by the Wartsila 31 engine, recognised by Guinness World Records as being the world’s most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine. The engine’s high level of fuel efficiency also reduces exhaust emissions. P&OF has stated that the new vessels will be the most sustainable ships ever to sail the English Channel, setting new standards for reliability and cost efficiency.

Each ship will feature four 16-cylinder Wartsila 31 engines. Delivery to the yard will commence in Q2 2021. The engines will also be fitted with state-of-the-art Wartsila Data Communication Units, which utilise artificial intelligence and are supported by the company’s Expert Insight condition monitoring platform. Expert Insight takes predictive maintenance to the next level maximising uptime and lowering operating costs.

The 230 metres long, double-ended RoPax ferries will operate between England and France.