Wärtsilä’s retrofit package for Corsica Linea ferry achieves 22% fuel savings
The retrofit package installed by technology group Wärtsilä on the Corsica Linea ferry ‘Pascal Paoli’ has realised fuel savings of up to 22%, the companies reported.
The fuel savings, which translated to approximately $7,700 per trip, marked an advancement in Corsica Linea’s decarbonisation efforts and compliance with stringent carbon emission regulations.
This improvement in energy efficiency for each voyage has been achieved through the installation of a new twin-screw controllable pitch propeller (CPP) system, featuring blades optimised for the ship’s operational profile.
Additionally, the Wärtsilä EnergoProFin energy-saving propeller cap, controls retrofit, and combinator curves tailored for the ship’s different operating modes have contributed to this enhancement.
The retrofit, completed at the end of 2024, was verified through computational fluid dynamics simulations and confirmed during sea trials.
Corsica Linea energy transition project manager Xavier Esnault said: “We are extremely happy with the efficiency improvements resulting from this Wärtsilä retrofit package.
“The fuel savings are important, both from a cost perspective, as well as supporting our decarbonisation strategy to reach a reduction of 40% of our CO2 emissions by 2030.”
The ‘Pascal Paoli’ is a 174m long RoPax ferry operating between Marseille and Bastia. It is equipped with two Wärtsilä 46 engines on each shaft line and offers several operational modes, including sailing and manoeuvring with either one or two engines per shaft line.
The vessel maintained its manoeuvrability post-upgrade.
This project aligns with the maritime industry’s push towards decarbonisation, driven by the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) new Net-Zero Framework and GHG fuel intensity incentives.
Wärtsilä Marine propulsion product manager Andrey Dudko said: “Ferry operators, such as Corsica Linea, are looking to leverage technologies that offer minimal service disruption and a maximised return on investment, all while reducing their carbon footprint.
“For this reason, the fuel efficiency upgrade carried out on the ‘Pascal Paoli’ was done with the aim of supporting Corsica Linea with achieving these goals.”
In a related development, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions has been contracted to supply cargo handling and fuel systems for four Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) being constructed for Cosco Shipping at Cosco Shipping (Qidong) Offshore.
Orders for these systems were placed in the fourth quarter of 2024 and the second quarter of 2025.
