23 Jul 13 - 18:31
Wärtsilä’s axial waterjets power the ‘Francisco’
Wärtsilä's axial waterjets power the 'Francisco', the world's fastest high speed ferry and the first fast ferry to utilize liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel. The vessel has successfully passed its sea trials and is now ready to commence commercial operations.
Wärtsilä has provided the waterjets for what is claimed to be the world's fastest high speed ferry. In addition to two of its LJX1720SR axial waterjets, Wärtsilä has also supplied an advanced propulsion control system for the 'Francisco'. The 99 m catamaran attained a lightship speed of 58.1 knots (107.6 km/h) in its recent speed trials. The ship was built by the Australian shipyard Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd on behalf of South American operator Buquebus. It will transport both passengers and cars between Uruguay and Argentina.
The Wärtsilä equipment was supplied at the end of 2012, and commissioning of the vessel took place in early 2013. A feature of the Wärtsilä waterjets is the high level of efficiency, which allows impressive power to be applied on relatively small jets. Furthermore, the compact dimensions enabled the waterjets to be installed within the ferry's transom, thus saving valuable space.
Wärtsilä's Lipstronic 7000 propulsion control system for manoeuvring the vessel gives effective, reliable control of all the waterjets and is very easy to use. It is designed in accordance with IMO (International Maritime Organisation) regulations and fulfils the requirements of all leading classification societies. The system controls and indicates the steering angle, bucket position and impeller speed, and can be operated alternatively with joystick control or autopilot. The system's built-in redundancy makes it safe and robust.
Learn more information at Wärtsilä's official website http://www.wartsila.com
