Wärtsilä Lifecycle Agreement to ensure operational reliability for two Japanese ferries

29 May 2024

Technology group Wärtsilä has signed two Lifecycle Agreements covering two ferries owned by Japanese operator Shin Nihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd (SNF). The vessels are each powered by four Wärtsilä 31 engines. The agreements are designed to provide optimal operational support in ensuring reliable and efficient performance for the ferries, which serve the busy Yokosuka and Shinmoji route. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in April 2024.

As ferries have an important role to play in meeting the growing demand for environmentally sustainable transport options, ferry operators are under pressure to reduce costs, fuel consumption and emissions, all while keeping to vessel schedule without delay for the passengers. That’s why ferry operators are increasingly looking towards services and solutions which enable operations to run smoothly and efficiently.

"It is very important that we operate according to the schedules and without delays, so being sure that the ships are in prime operating condition is essential. The two Wärtsilä agreements will give us this assurance and allow us to confidently concentrate on serving our customers in an optimal and most efficient way," says Mr. Hisao Shimizu, General Manager, Marine Management, Shin Nihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd.

The two five-year agreements cover the ‘Hamayu’ and ‘Soleil’ ferries and provide remote 24/7 support in case of need. The experts in Wärtsilä Expertise Centres are available to support the crew remotely whenever needed, giving guidance, advice, and recommendations. A cyber secure connectivity makes it possible to collaborate remotely in real-time. Getting the issues resolved quickly maximises the vessel uptime ensuring smooth operations.

The scope of the agreements also includes asset diagnostics and anomaly detection via Wärtsilä’s Expert Insight predictive maintenance service. Expert Insight proactively identifies and highlights potential failures and early indications of equipment deterioration that cause vessels to run less efficiently.


The agreements signed with Japanese operator Shin Nihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd (SNF) are designed to provide optimal operational support in ensuring reliable and efficient performance for the ferries, which serve the busy Yokosuka and Shinmoji route. © Shin Nihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd

"If a vessel is well maintained, it not only allows it to operate reliably, therefore minimising delays and cancellations for passengers, it also saves fuel and generates less emissions. After all, key maintenance practices have a surprisingly big impact on the vessel’s efficiency and with data we can optimise and improve these even further. We are delighted to expand our long-standing partnership with SNF by supporting them with our Lifecycle Agreement for these two ferries and to help them improve the ships efficiency and reliability," comments Henrik Wilhelms, Director, Agreement Sales, Wärtsilä Marine.

Wärtsilä Marine in brief
Wärtsilä Marine is a global pioneer in power, propulsion and lifecycle solutions for the marine market. We develop industry-leading technologies, advancing maritime's transition to new fuels. We support building an end-to-end digital ecosystem where all vessels and ports are connected. Ultimately, Wärtsilä Marine is driving the shipping industry forward on its journey towards a decarbonised and sustainable future through our broad portfolio of engines, propulsion systems, hybrid technology, exhaust treatment, shaft line solutions and digital technologies, as well as integrated powertrain systems. Our offering, which is underpinned by our performance-based agreements, upgrades, lifecycle solutions, decarbonisation services, as well as an unrivalled global network of maritime expertise, delivers the efficiency, reliability, safety, and environmental performance needed to support a safe and sustainable future for our customers, our communities and our planet. www.wartsila.com/marine

Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasise innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 17,800 professionals in more than 280 locations in 79 countries shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2023, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 6.0 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. www.wartsila.com

Wärtsilä Corporation press release