Wärtsilä has been selected to supply propulsion solutions for nine newbuild ferry vessels being constructed for the Grimaldi Group, in a contract spanning three of the Group’s fleet brands.

The vessels are being built at the China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group Weihai Shipyard Co as part of Grimaldi’s fleet renewal programme aimed at reducing emissions from its operations. The order covers four vessels for Grimaldi Lines, three for Finnlines and two for Minoan Lines.

According to Wärtsilä, orders for the engines, propulsion systems and scrubbers were booked in 2025, with the order for the hybrid-electric system for the Finnlines vessels following in Q1 2026.

All nine vessels will be equipped with Wärtsilä’s 46F engines, designed to operate on a range of fuels, including methanol, and provide fuel flexibility for customers — a consideration that has become increasingly relevant as the shipping industry works towards decarbonisation targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Each vessel will also be fitted with Wärtsilä’s hybrid exhaust scrubber system alongside transverse thrusters to support mooring operations.

For the three Finnlines vessels, the scope of supply is broader. In addition to the standard package, Wärtsilä will provide a hybrid-electric system, two gearboxes, two controllable-pitch propellers with shaftlines, and a Wärtsilä ProTouch remote propulsion control system. This integrated package is designed to improve propulsion efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, Wärtsilä explained.

Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation, commented: "Ferry operators face demanding operational requirements, from availability and efficiency to emissions compliance across variable routes. Through close cooperation with Grimaldi Group, we've taken a truly integrated approach to meet these needs. We will deliver future-proof solutions through engines capable of running on different fuels, along with cohesive packages of innovative, low-emission technologies, to support the operational performance of these vessels today while enabling flexibility for the future."

Wärtsilä noted that the project involved close collaboration with Grimaldi Group from the design phase, with the aim of aligning operational, technical and lifecycle priorities across the build programme.

Finnlines operates ro-pax ferries on the Helsinki–Travemünde route between Finland and Germany. Minoan Lines operates passenger ferry services in Greece, while Grimaldi Lines provides maritime connections linking Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Greece and Tunisia.

Wärtsilä is scheduled to deliver equipment for all nine vessels between 2026 and 2028.