Wartsila 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 Liberte, and is designed to optimise and ensure minimal impact on their operations, while providing maintenance cost predictability. The order was booked by Wartsila 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 Wartsila'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, subsequently, results in higher fuel bills and emissions. Both vessels feature hybrid propulsion with battery power and four high-efficiency Wartsila 31 main engines.

They are expected to produce 40% fewer emissions than the ships they replace. By ensuring their optimal performance, the agreement will further enhance the ships' environmental sustainability. The M/V Pioneer commenced commercial operations in June 2023, while the M/V Liberte is scheduled to enter service in early 2024.

The 230-metre long ships are the double-ended ferries, and sail between Dover, England and Calais, France.