Mediterranean's largest high speed catamaran to be powered by Wärtsilä waterjets

Wärtsilä Corporation, Press release, 19 April 2017 at 10.00 am EET

The technology group Wärtsilä has been contracted to provide the waterjets for a new high speed ferry being built by the Incat Tasmania yard in Australia for Malta based Virtu Ferries. When delivered, this vessel will be the largest high speed catamaran operating in the Mediterranean Sea, and will have a service speed of up to 38 knots. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in March 2017.

The scope of supply covers four Wärtsilä LJX1500SRI waterjets and a Lipstronic control system. The equipment is scheduled to be delivered to the yard in April 2018 and the ship is to be delivered to the owners at the end of 2018.

"This new vessel will be a large and powerful high speed ferry, the Wärtsilä waterjets selected will ensure fast, efficient, and reliable operations. We have worked in close cooperation with Incat for nearly 30 years, and during this time have supplied them with modular waterjets for various vessel applications around the world. This product loyalty is the best possible endorsement of the quality and performance expected of the Wärtsilä range of waterjets," says Arto Lehtinen, Vice President, Propulsion, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.

The 110 metres long wave-piercing catamaran will operate between Malta and Sicily and will complete the crossing in approximately 90 minutes. The vessel will have a capacity for 900 passengers in four lounges on two passenger decks. It will also have the equivalent of 490 truck lane metres for 167 cars.

Wärtsilä Modular Waterjets
Wärtsilä modular waterjets feature a compactly designed axial pump with excellent efficiency, cavitation and noise characteristics. The high performance components are in stainless steel to prevent wear and corrosion, while the water lubricated bearing in the stator bowl provides an environmentally friendly solution. The inlet design is tailored to the outline and operational profile of each individual vessel.

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Caption: The largest high speed catamaran to operate in the Mediterranean Sea will be powered by Wärtsilä waterjets.

Media contacts:

Mr Jeroen Vedder
Sales Manager Navy & Waterjets
Wärtsilä Marine Solutions
Tel: +31 6 5137 5642
jeroen.vedder@wartsila.com

Ms Marit Holmlund-Sund
Senior Manager Marketing, Communications, Marine Solutions
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel: +358 10 709 1439
marit.holmlund-sund@wartsila.com

Wärtsilä in brief:
Wärtsilä is a global leader in advanced technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2016, Wärtsilä's net sales totalled EUR 4.8 billion with approximately 18,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
www.wartsila.com