MARCH 14, 2013 — Wärtsilä has signed a five year maintenance agreement with Finnish shipowner Viking Line. The agreement, which became effective from March 1, is for maintaining and servicing of Wärtsilä equipment in the Viking Grace, the largest passenger ferry thus far to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel.

The Viking Grace operates a regular timetable schedule in the Baltic Sea between Turku in Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. It is designed to carry cars, trucks and road trailers, as well as 2,800 passengers and 200 crew members. By operating on LNG fueled Wärtsilä DF engines, the vessel can sail without restrictions in Sulfur Emissions Control Areas (SECAs) and upcoming Nitrogen Emissions Control Areas (NECAs).

The agreement covers the ship's four Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel main engines, as well as the Wärtsilä LNGPac gas system's safety valves. Under the terms of the contract, Wärtsilä will provide a broad range of services including engine maintenance planning, maintenance work, condition monitoring, spare parts supply, technical support, and workshop services. The overall target is to extend the intervals between maintenance, to optimize the logistics for spare part deliveries, and to ensure optimal operating efficiency and fuel consumption, thereby lowering operating costs.

"Viking Line has enjoyed an excellent relationship with Wärtsilä, and this has led to deep cooperation between both parties in finalizing this agreement. The maintenance agreement  provides predictability in maintenance issues, and through extending maintenance intervals, we can lower operating costs and optimize the lifecycle efficiency of Viking Grace," says Tony Öhman, Senior Vice President, Marine Operations & Newbuilding, Viking Line Abp.