Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a Lifecycle Agreement with UK-based P&O Ferries. The five-year agreement covers two vessels, the M/V Pioneer and the M/V Liberté, and is designed to optimise and ensure minimal impact on their operations, while providing maintenance cost predictability. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in January 2024.

Ferries have a huge role to play in meeting the growing demand for environmentally sustainable transport options. That’s why it is especially crucial for ferry operations to run smoothly and efficiently, in order to avoid unnecessary costs, fuel consumption and emissions.

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 unique 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 through 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,” says Stephen Pitt, Senior Procurement Manager, 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.”

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

“Wärtsilä shares P&O Ferries’ commitment to decarbonising shipping operations. We are, therefore, extremely pleased to support these two environmentally friendly ferries by optimising their operational performance. The Lifecycle Agreement represents a partnership for highest operational efficiency, and the experts supported by digitals tools to ensure minimal interruption, as well as reliable and sustainable operations,” comments Lee Martindale, General Manager, Sales for UK & Ireland, Wärtsilä.

The M/V Pioneer commenced commercial operations in June 2023, while the M/V Liberté is scheduled to enter service in early 2024. The 230-metre long ships are the world’s largest double-ended ferries, and sail between Dover, England and Calais, France.