The Steam Packet’s new flagship, Manxman, will be powered by what the Guinness World Records describes as the ’world’s most efficient four-stroke diesel engine’.
Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has been chosen to supply the new vessel with two eight-cylinder and two 10-cylinder engines, which are recognised for a high level of marine fuel oil efficiency which reduces exhaust emissions.
The Ben My Chree currently has a nine-cylinder engine which burns very low sulphur heavy fuel oil.
The Wärtsilä 31 engines will be installed at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) in South Korea where the Manxman’s construction begins later this year. The new vessel is expected to commence service in spring 2023.
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Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward says reliability, efficiency and low-operating costs were all key considerations in the Company’s selection.
He explained: ’This is a major investment in our fleet and the ultimate aim for when we introduce the new addition is to provide an even higher level of service to the island community and our customers.
’Alongside our drive for greater efficiency and lower emissions levels, there is also an ever-increasing focus on the environmental aspects of marine transportation so we were naturally keen to select an engine that can deliver sustainable operations.
’We’ll continue to work closely with Wärtsilä design engineers and the ship builder HMD and look forward to seeing this come to fruition after many months of planning.’
Fleet operations manager James Royston added: ’After considering many marine engine manufacturers, Wärtsilä was selected for a number of factors.
’The firm not only has the experience and track-record required for such a project but the engine’s diesel consumption is on average around 8% lower than similar sized engines available on the market.
’In terms of system integration and operational optimisation, we will be able to run a variety of engine combinations to ensure they are always running as close to their most efficient, while suiting both Manxman and the routes it will serve.’
Details of the hybrid propulsion system, which includes energy storage batteries and waste heat recovery, will be provided once the full system design is completed.