Wärtsilä to support optimized low-emission operations for two P&O Ferries vessels

Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a lifecycle agreement with UK-based P&O Ferries to support two vessels – the M/V Pioneer and the M/V Liberté – for five years.

Hybrid propulsion and environmental sustainability

The agreement is designed to optimize and ensure minimal impact on the company’s operations while providing maintenance cost predictability.

The M/V Pioneer commenced commercial operations in June 2023, while the M/V Liberté is scheduled to enter service in early this year. The 230m long ships are said to be the world’s largest double-ended ferries, and sail between Dover, UK, and Calais, France.

Both vessels feature hybrid propulsion with battery power and four Wärtsilä 31 main engines. They are expected to produce 40% fewer emissions than the ships they replace. By ensuring their optimal performance, the agreement is to further enhance the ships’ environmental sustainability.

Lifecycle agreement with P&O Ferries

The scope of the lifecycle agreement with P&O Ferries includes parts and maintenance services, as well as maintenance planning, operational support and Wärtsilä’s expert insight predictive maintenance service. This means issues can be identified before they cause a delay in the schedule. Delays are a big pain point for ferry operators because delays mean they need to make up the time by increasing speed which, consequently, results in higher fuel bills and emissions.

“We are focused on making P&O Ferries the best ferry company in Europe and this includes doing everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment,” said Stephen Pitt, senior procurement manager at P&O Ferries. “The ability to leverage Wärtsilä’s advanced digital solutions is central to this – helping us to improve vessel uptime, save fuel and decrease emissions.”

“Wärtsilä shares P&O Ferries’ commitment to decarbonizing shipping operations,” commented Lee Martindale, general manager, sales, UK and Ireland, Wärtsilä. “We are, therefore, extremely pleased to support these two environmentally friendly ferries by optimizing their operational performance. The lifecycle agreement represents a partnership for highest operational efficiency, and the experts supported by digital tools to ensure minimal interruption, as well as reliable and sustainable operations.”

Read more of the latest ferries and cruises updates from the electric and hybrid marine technology, here.