Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania has selected technology group Wärtsilä to deliver a fully integrated electric propulsion system including waterjets for two new high-speed catamaran ferries it is building for Danish ferry operator Molslinjen.
The battery-electric vessels are being built at the Incat shipyard in Tasmania. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard commencing in 2026.
Wärtsilä is supplying the integrated electric propulsion system, the DC power conversion system, its energy management and automation systems and eight electric propulsion motors and waterjets, as well as the Wärtsilä ProTouch propulsion control system for smooth and efficient sailing.
The eight electric driven waterjet configuration feature low weight, shallow-draft operation, low maintenance and easy access, as well as manoeuvrability as a result of integrated steering and reversing with quick response times. As the power is divided over more jets, the power density is lower, increasing efficiency.
The two ferries will each measure 129 meters in length and 30.5 meters in width, accommodating up to 1,483 passengers and 500 cars. The new vessels will increase total capacity for cars and passengers on the Kattegat route between Denmark and Sweden by more than 25%. The ships are expected to join the fleet in Denmark during 2027 and 2028.
“We have already delivered solutions for 150 hybrid-electric ships and this number is continuing to grow,” said Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine.
“The vessels address the market’s needs and requirements by utilizing batteries, making this a very viable option for owners and operators looking to increase the sustainability of their fleets,” said Stephen Casey, CEO of Incat. “Wärtsilä is a key player in the success of this project, supporting our goal of large-scale, low-emission transport with a completely integrated propulsion package.”
Source: Wärtsilä
