A Floating Test Lab

Wärtsilä is proud to be part of the new Wasaline ferry project and the long-term relationship with NLC Ferry. The new ferry, called AURORA BOTNIA, has a Wärtsilä delivered integrated package of solutions that enables this ferry to be among the world’s most efficient and environmentally sustainable vessels. The ferry is the first of its kind to get the Clean Design classification and it is one of the most sustainable RoPax vessels in the world.

The ferry is a concrete step in implementing Wärtsilä’s path towards decarbonisation, which is about the maritime industry working together towards a sustainable future. The vessel acts as a floating test laboratory linking to the Smart Technology Hub, which allows real time monitoring and management of the vessel. This will improve efficiency and allow for further R&D of solutions that can help the marine industry meet the targets and environmental requirements in the future.

Products & Solutions Provided by Wärtsilä

The new technology enables this ferry to be one of the most environmentally friendly passenger vessels built in the world. This will cut the emissions in Kvarken significally.

At the heart of this ferry is the Wärtsilä hybrid propulsion solution. It consists of four highly efficient Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biogas. This will reduce CO₂ emissions by 50% compared to the previous vessel. Wärtsilä has also supplied the LNG storage, supply and control systems as well as the thrusters, catalysators, controls and the integrated electrical and automation systems. The latter incorporates an energy and power management system to optimise the use and operation of the hybrid power solution.

The ferry also has a Wärtsilä Nacos Platinum system, which is a unique combination of control systems for navigation, automation, power and propulsion, as well as the Wärtsilä Data Bridge platform. The Data Bridge solution enables advanced data analytics that gives insights into the vessel’s performance, thereby unlocking further potential for enhancing the vessel’s operational and technical efficiency.