Touted as one of the largest aluminium catamaran built by Incat, the new high-speed watercraft fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) will use engines, waterjets, and fuel storage and delivery systems from the Finnish technology company Wärtsilä. On behalf of Buquebus, the vessel is being constructed at the Incat yard in Tasmania, Australia.

With the capacity to accommodate 2,100 passengers and 226 vehicles, the aluminium catamaran will be 130 metres long and 32 metres in width; the ship will travel between Argentina and Uruguay primarily utilising LNG fuel generated at Buquebus' own LNG facility.

“This is the first time we will include Wärtsilä engines, and we are excited about the potential they provide. This will be the world’s largest and greenest vessel of its type, and we are very happy to be working with Wärtsilä to make the project a huge success,” said Tim Burnell, CEO of Incat.

As part of this project, shaft e-motors will be powered via the main engine gearboxes using Wärtsilä's LNG technology. With LNG, the ferry will meet Tier III compliance standards and be permitted to operate in emission control zones thanks to the reduced emissions of CO2, nitrous oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter (ECAs).

“This is indeed an exciting project. Our latest WXJ generation axial flow waterjets reduce the installation footprint on average by approximately 25 percent, compared to non-axial flow jet designs. They also give a higher power-to-weight ratio, and come with an advanced propulsion control system. Combining this with our highly efficient, fuel flexible engines, means that it is a truly future-proof investment,” said Mikko Mannerkorpi, General Manager, Sales, Wärtsilä Marine Power.

Four Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines, four Wärtsilä WXJ1500SR waterjets, and two Wärtsilä LNGPac fuel-storage, supply and control systems are included in the scope of supply. The equipment is expected to be delivered to the yard by mid-2023.