The Francisco is both the world's fastest high speed ferry and the first fast ferry to utilise LNG as fuel. The vessel has successfully passed its sea trials and is now ready to commence commercial operations.
The 99 m catamaran is claimed to be the world's fastest and attained a lightship speed of 58.1 knots (107.6 km/h) in its recent speed trials. The ship was built by the Australian shipyard Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd on behalf of South American operator Buquebus. It will transport both passengers (1000) and cars (150) between Uruguay and Argentina.
Competing with Air Traffic
With an operating speed of 50 knots, and in crossing the River Plate (Rio de la Plata) at high speed, the ferry will be able to viably compete with air traffic between Uruguay and Argentina.
Axial Waterjets
Wärtsilä has provided two of its LJX1720SR axial waterjets for the Francisco. The waterjets allow a lot of power to be applied on relatively small jets. Furthermore, the compact dimensions enabled the waterjets to be installed within the ferry's transom, thus saving valuable space.
Propulsion Control System
The company has also supplied an advanced propulsion control system. Wärtsilä's Lipstronic 7000 propulsion control system for manoeuvring the vessel gives effective, reliable control of all the waterjets. It is designed in accordance with IMO regulations and fulfils the requirements of all leading classification societies.
The system controls and indicates the steering angle, bucket position and impeller speed, and can be operated alternatively with joystick control or autopilot. The system's built-in redundancy makes it safe and robust.
