Wärtsilä to Supply Propulsion and Hybrid Systems for Nine Grimaldi Group Ferries

Wärtsilä has secured contracts to supply propulsion systems, engines and hybrid technologies for nine new RoPax ferries being built for Grimaldi Group as part of the operator’s fleet renewal programme aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

The vessels are under construction at China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group Weihai Shipyard Co., Ltd. and will be deployed across the fleets of Grimaldi Lines, Finnlines and Minoan Lines.

The engine, propulsion system and exhaust scrubber orders were booked by Wärtsilä in 2025, while the hybrid electric system order for the Finnlines vessels was recorded in the first quarter of 2026.

Nine Ferries to Feature Fuel-Flexible Wärtsilä 46F Engines

All nine ferries will be equipped with Wärtsilä 46F fuel-flexible engines, designed to operate on conventional marine fuels as well as sustainable alternatives, including methanol.

The engines are intended to provide operational flexibility as shipowners prepare for evolving fuel availability and increasingly stringent emissions regulations under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

In addition to the main engines, Wärtsilä will supply hybrid exhaust gas scrubber systems to enable compliance with emissions regulations while maintaining operational flexibility. The vessels will also be fitted with transverse thrusters to improve manoeuvrability during harbour operations.

Finnlines Vessels to Receive Hybrid Electric Propulsion Package

The three ferries being built for Finnlines will receive an integrated hybrid electric propulsion package designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

The scope of supply includes:

• Hybrid electric system
• Two gearboxes
• Two controllable pitch propellers (CPP) with shaft lines
• Wärtsilä ProTouch remote propulsion control system

According to Wärtsilä, the integrated propulsion solution is expected to enhance vessel efficiency while contributing to lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

Project Supports Grimaldi Fleet Renewal

The nine vessels comprise:

• Four ferries for Grimaldi Lines
• Three ferries for Finnlines
• Two ferries for Minoan Lines

The equipment will be delivered between 2026 and 2028.

The project builds on an existing collaboration between Wärtsilä and Grimaldi Group, with engineering work beginning during the early vessel design phase to align propulsion, operational and lifecycle requirements.

Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation, said:

“Ferry operators face demanding operational requirements, from availability and efficiency to emissions compliance across variable routes. Through close cooperation with Grimaldi Group, we’ve taken a truly integrated approach to meet these needs.”

He added:

“We will deliver future-proof solutions through engines capable of running on different fuels, along with cohesive packages of innovative, low emission technologies, to support the operational performance of these vessels today while enabling flexibility for the future.”

The Finnlines vessels will operate on the Helsinki (Finland)–Travemünde (Germany) route, while Grimaldi Lines serves destinations including Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Greece and Tunisia. Minoan Lines operates passenger ferry services in Greece.