Wärtsilä has secured a contract to supply a comprehensive propulsion package for 9 new ro-pax ferries under construction for the Grimaldi Group at China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group’s Weihai shipyard in China. The vessels form part of the Italian operator’s ongoing fleet renewal programme, aimed at lowering emissions and improving operational efficiency across its passenger and freight services.
The newbuilding programme comprises four ferries for Grimaldi Lines, three for Finnlines and two for Minoan Lines. Orders covering the engines, propulsion systems and exhaust gas cleaning equipment were booked in 2025, while the contract for the hybrid-electric propulsion systems destined for the Finnlines vessels was recorded during the first quarter of 2026.
Each of the nine ferries will be powered by Wärtsilä 46F fuel-flexible engines, designed to operate on conventional fuels as well as sustainable alternatives, including methanol. The arrangement is intended to provide operators with greater flexibility as fuel availability and environmental regulations continue to evolve. The vessels will also be fitted with hybrid exhaust scrubber systems to ensure compliance with increasingly stringent emissions requirements while preserving operational versatility. Transverse thrusters will be supplied to enhance manoeuvring and mooring performance.
The three Finnlines ferries will additionally receive hybrid-electric propulsion systems engineered to improve propulsion efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and further cut emissions. Wärtsilä’s scope of supply for these vessels also includes two gearboxes, two controllable-pitch propellers with shaft lines, and the ProTouch remote propulsion control system, creating an integrated propulsion package.
Development of the project began during the initial design phase, with Wärtsilä and Grimaldi Group working jointly to align the vessels’ operational profile, technical specifications and lifecycle requirements. Wärtsilä Marine President and Wärtsilä Corporation Executive Vice President Roger Holm stated that the collaboration had resulted in an integrated solution capable of addressing ferry operators’ requirements for availability, efficiency and emissions compliance, while providing propulsion systems prepared for future fuel options and evolving environmental standards.
Equipment deliveries are scheduled between 2026 and 2028, further strengthening the long-standing cooperation between Wärtsilä and the Grimaldi Group, including its Grimaldi Lines, Finnlines and Minoan Lines operations.