EMEA News
Eco-Ferry Planned for Northern Europe Route
A new eco-ferry is being planned that will serve Bothnian Corridor between Vaasa, Finland and Umeå, Sweden, according to Wärtsilä Corp. (Wärtsilä), which will design the vessel.
The ferry design is part of the Midway Alignment of the Bothnian Corridor project, which requires that the vessel be efficient and environmentally sound, with flexibility to handle varied requirements during different seasons.
Because passenger traffic peaks in the summer, the ferry will be required to run on a tighter schedule then, and to reduce speed at other times to save fuel costs.
The vessel must also be able to handle ice conditions during the winter.
The specific propulsion system for the vessel has not yet been decided, but Wärtsilä said their extensive experience in gas fuelled propulsion was an important factor in the award of the contract.
"The project has been initiated to develop a multi-modal logistics corridor across the Gulf of Bothnia," said Mathias Lindström, director of the Kvarken Council and project leader for the corridor project.
"Feasibility and environmental sustainability are essential cornerstones, and Wärtsilä's experience and expertise will contribute greatly to achieving a successful solution."
The ship design phase is due to be finalised by mid-2015.
