Wärtsilä has signed a five-year Optimised Maintenance Agreement, with an option to extend for another five years, with Canadian ferry operator Societé des Traversiers du Quebec (STQ), covering two vessels, the ‘Jos Deschenes II´ and the ‘Armand Imbeau II’, each of which operates with Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel engines.
A similar agreement was signed earlier covering another STQ ferry, the F.A. Gauthier.
Wärtsilä says it provides truly customised agreements that improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure better availability for these vessels, a factor considered to be a prime consideration in the award of this contract. Included in the scope of services provided are Wärtsilä’s Expert Insight digital solution, and Data-Driven Dynamic Maintenance Planning. Expert Insight uses artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced diagnostics to achieve a level of predictive maintenance that is considered to reduce unplanned maintenance by as much as 50%. Dynamic Maintenance Planning is enabled with data and advanced analytics and remote monitoring, providing accurate insight into the vessel’s performance.
Luc Morneau, Director of Marine Operations, STQ, said: “The Wärtsilä agreements deliver the operational certainty that is essential for ferry service providers. Equipment reliability is enhanced, maintenance is optimised, and efficient performance is assured, all of which enable cost savings over a long term.”
Henrik Wilhelms, Director, Agreement Sales, Wärtsilä Marine Power, added: “The agreements with STQ for these two vessels, together with the earlier one for the F.A.Gauthier, provide clear evidence of the value delivered through equipment data insights, real-time operational support, and data-driven dynamic maintenance planning based on actual need rather than an arbitrary number of operating hours. The benefits include significant cost savings and reduced fuel consumption, which in turn limits emissions for a minimised carbon footprint.”
In addition to the engines, the agreement covers the LNGPac fuel storage, supply and control system, the Gas Valve Unit, and the ships’ electrical and automation systems.
The 92m-long passenger ferries are part of the Canadian Province of Quebec’s transportation system.
