Image credit: Balearia

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Wartsila has announced that it will be supplying a fully integrated LNG fuel solution for what is set to be the world's largest ever high-speed catamaran.

As revealed last month, Spanish ferry operator Balearia is due to shortly commence the construction of the 125-metre-long vessel at the Armon shipyard in Gijon, Spain, in a project costing EUR 90m, with aluminium cutting scheduled to commence in December and the ferry's entry into service slated for the summer of 2020.

Finnish firm Wartsila has been tasked with supplying four of its 31DF dual-fuel engines, four Wartsila waterjets, and the Wartsila LNGPac fuel gas storage and supply system.

The fast ferry will have a service speed of 35 knots, and a top speed of more than 40 knots, whilst two LNG storage tanks will enable the vessel to travel 400 nautical miles without refuelling.

Wartsila's equipment is said to have been ordered in the second quarter of this year, with delivery to the yard scheduled for the latter half of 2019.

"The ability of Wartsila to deliver a fully integrated scope, including the engines, the waterjets, and the LNG fuel storage and supply system, together with all the related auxiliary systems, was an important option for both the owner and shipyard," Wartsila said.

High efficiency, reduced operating costs, and environmental sustainability were the key values in the design of this exciting new high-speed ferry. Wartsila has a strong focus and excellent track record in all these areas, as well as unique integration capabilities. This project redefines the conventional standard for this type of vessel, enabling 'greener' operations and lower lifecycle operating costs," said Stefan Wiik, Vice President, Marine Power Solutions, Wartsila.

"This ferry will very much shape the future for high-speed, gas powered, catamarans and trimarans. This completely new design, which optimizes the performance of the ship, not only in terms of speed but also in seakeeping, and which utilises Wartsila's LNG technology, makes this a breakthrough vessel. The use of LNG allows us to fulfil our commitment to the environment and to energy efficiency, while also keeping us one step ahead of the new pollutant gas reduction regulations scheduled for 2020," said Juan M. Paino, CTO of Armon.

"Balearia's strategic commitment to LNG responds to criteria of social responsibility and economic profitability. The axiom, less pollution, greater economic profitability, works fully with liquefied natural gas," said Adolfo Utor, CEO of Balearia.