Wärtsilä will supply propulsion systems for nine new ferries being built for Grimaldi Group.
The vessels are under construction at China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group Weihai Shipyard. They form part of Grimaldi’s fleet renewal programme, which focuses on reducing emissions.
The order covers four vessels for Grimaldi Lines, three for Finnlines and two for Minoan Lines.
Wärtsilä booked the engine, propulsion system and scrubber orders in 2025. It booked the hybrid electric system for the Finnlines vessels in the first quarter of 2026.
All nine ferries will use Wärtsilä 46F fuel-flexible engines. The engines can also operate on sustainable fuels, including methanol. This gives operators greater flexibility as environmental regulations evolve.
Wärtsilä will also supply hybrid exhaust scrubber systems. The systems will help the vessels meet emissions regulations while maintaining operational flexibility.
The package also includes transverse thrusters to improve manoeuvring and mooring operations.
The three Finnlines vessels will receive a hybrid electric propulsion system. Wärtsilä said the system will improve propulsion efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions.
The company will also deliver two gearboxes, two controllable pitch propellers with shaft lines and its ProTouch remote propulsion control system.
The project started during the early design stage. Wärtsilä worked closely with Grimaldi Group to align the vessels’ operational, technical and lifecycle requirements.
“Ferry operators face demanding operational requirements, from availability and efficiency to emissions compliance across variable routes,” said Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation.
“Through close cooperation with Grimaldi Group, we’ve taken a truly integrated approach to meet these needs. We will deliver future-proof solutions through engines capable of running on different fuels, along with cohesive packages of innovative, low-emission technologies.”
Wärtsilä will deliver the equipment between 2026 and 2028.
The project extends the company’s long-standing partnership with Grimaldi Group, including Finnlines, Minoan Lines and Grimaldi Lines.
