A SERIES of modular waterjets, recently introduced by the technology group Wärtsilä, has reportedly been selected for its first installation.
A new 100metre, wave-piercing catamaran ferry being built for the government of Trinidad and Tobago at the Incat shipyard in Tasmania is to be powered by four Wärtsilä WXJ1200 waterjets.
The order was booked in March 2019. The WXJ series was launched in March.
The series is a further development and upgrading of the Wärtsilä LJX waterjets. Proponents have reported greater efficiency and the cavitation and underwater noise levels are lower than with the earlier LJX series.
“We are proud to have been selected again to deliver our Wartsila waterjets for this new high-speed ferry,” Wärtsilä Marine director propulsion Lars Anderson said.
“The well-proven design of Wärtsilä’s waterjets has led to a significant number of repeat orders from world-renowned fast ferry builders, such as Incat.”
Mr Anderson said the government of Trinidad & Tobago had already operated multiple catamarans powered by Wärtsilä waterjets, means both the yard and the owners were familiar with the best-in-class quality and performance of waterjet solutions.
“We have worked with Wärtsilä for many years already, and we have complete confidence in their waterjets,” said Incat chief executive Tim Burnell.
“The new WXJ series takes the performance to an even higher level, bringing even greater value to this exciting new vessel.”
In addition to the four WXJ waterjets, Wärtsilä will also supply the Wärtsilä ProTouch operational control system. The equipment is scheduled for delivery in May 2020, and the ferry is expected to be handed over to the owners in late 2020.
