Canadian ferry operator Societé des Traversiers du Quebec (STQ) has added two more vessels to its optimised maintenance agreement with Wärtsilä.
The five-year long-term agreement covers 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. The latest contract was signed in October 2021 and carries an option to extend the agreement for an additional five years
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 an unprecedented level of predictive maintenance that can reduce unplanned maintenance by up to 50 per cent. Dynamic Maintenance Planning is enabled with data and advanced analytics and remote monitoring, thus providing accurate insight into the vessel’s performance.
“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,” said Luc Morneau, director of marine operations at STQ.
“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,” explained Henrik Wilhelms, director, agreement sales, Wärtsilä Marine Power.
In addition to the engines, the agreement also covers the LNGPac fuel storage, supply and control system, the Gas Valve Unit, and the ships’ electrical and automation systems.
The 92-metre-long passenger ferries are part of the Canadian Province of Quebec’s transportation system.
