Poland – Wärtsilä has been contracted by the Polish shipyard Remontowa to supply engines, fuel storage and supply systems for three new RoPax vessels, the first LNG-fueled RoPax vessels built for the Polish maritime sector.

Unity Line and Polferries will operate the vessels. The vessels will be powered by four Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines, which are known for their efficiency. To further reduce their carbon footprint, LNG-powered engines can run on bio-LNG, which can be used alone or in combination with conventional LNG. Until 2025, the ships will be powered solely by bio-LNG.

Transitional marine fuel

The Wärtsilä 31DF engine’s efficiency was a major factor in awarding this contract. There is a Guinness World Record for most fuel-efficient 4-stroke diesel engine in the world for this particular model. The LNGPac fuel storage, supply, and control system will also be provided by Wärtsilä.

According to the company, LNG can serve as a bridge between current diesel fuels and future carbon-free alternatives. Vessels of this length can carry 400 passengers and have 4,100 lanes for vehicles. They will be used between Swinoujscie in Poland and the ports of Ystad and Trelleborg in Sweden.