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Leading solutions and services provider, Wärtsilä, has provided the waterjets for what is claimed to be the world's fastest high-speed ferry - the Francisco.

In addition to two of its LJX1720SR axial waterjets, Wärtsilä has also supplied an advanced propulsion control system for the Francisco. The 99-metre catamaran is said to have attained a lightship speed of 58.1 knots (107.6 kilometres per hour) in recent speed trials. The ship was built by the Australian shipyard Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd. on behalf of South American operator Buquebus. It will transport both passengers and cars between Uruguay and Argentina.

The Wärtsilä equipment was supplied at the end of 2012, and commissioning of the vessel took place in early 2013. According to Wärtsilä, a feature of the Wärtsilä waterjets is the high level of efficiency, which allows 'impressive power' to be applied on relatively small jets. Furthermore, the compact dimensions enabled the waterjets to be installed within the ferry's transom, thus saving valuable space.

Wärtsilä's Lipstronic 7000 propulsion control system for manoeuvring the vessel is designed to provide effective, reliable control of all the waterjets and is said to be very easy to use. It is designed in accordance with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations and Wärtsilä confirms that it fulfils the requirements of all leading classification societies. The system controls and indicates the steering angle, bucket position and impeller speed, and can be operated alternatively with joystick control or autopilot.

"Wärtsilä is recognised as a market leader in this field, and this valuable order has further strengthened our position in the high-powered waterjet end of the range. We are delighted to have continued our long-standing co-operation with Incat in the completion of this vessel, which is truly a milestone delivery within the fast ferry sector. Our proven track record, together with the high efficiency and low operating costs of the Wärtsilä waterjet portfolio, were all key reasons for us being awarded this contract," said Mr Arto Lehtinen, Vice President, Propulsion, Wärtsilä Ship Power.

According to Incat, the 'Francisco' is now the fastest ship in the world. While there are speed boats that can surpass 58 knots, there is said to be no other vessel afloat that can reach these speeds and carry 1,000 passengers and 150 cars. The ferry will have an operating speed of 50 knots, and in crossing the River Plate (Rio de la Plata) at high speed, the ferry will be able to viably compete with air traffic between Uruguay and Argentina.

"The Francisco will be the largest catamaran to be operated by Buquebus, and the fastest, environmentally cleanest, and most efficient high-speed ferry in the world," said Juan Carlos Lopez Mena, President at Buquebus.