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Wartsila has signed a five-year maintenance agreement with Estonia-based AS Tallink Grupp for its new LNG-powered ro-pax ferry, the M/S Megastar, on the Tallinn to Helsinki route across the Gulf of Finland.

The Megastar, which is due to begin operating on 29th January, is powered by Wartsila dual-fuel engines. While the ship will be able to run on marine distillate fuel, its main fuel is intended to be liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Under the agreement, Wartsila has been contracted to optimise the vessel's performance, enhance its availability and reliability, and improve financial predictability for the customer. The service agreement also covers Wartsila's Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) and online remote support.

The deal includes maintenance and optimisation of the vessel's engines as well as the supply of spare parts and 24/7 online support. The full scope of Wartsila solutions onboard the M/S Megastar includes three 12-cylinder and two 6-cylinder Wartsila 50DF dual-fuel engines, two Wartsila fixed pitch propellers and propeller shaft lines, the latest version of the Wartsila Nacos Platinum integrated navigation system and external communication facilities.

"We are very pleased to develop our partnership with AS Tallink Grupp further with this comprehensive maintenance agreement. With our expertise and tailored service offering, we can ensure that M/S Megastar operates safely and efficiently throughout the year," commented Kari Koski-Tuuri, Director, Services Unit Baltic & Black Sea Wartsila.

Condition-based maintenance to optimise engine performance

The agreement also covers solutions from the Wartsila Genius services portfolio, which is designed to optimise operational efficiency. With CBM, Wartsila continuously monitors the condition of M/S Megastar's dual-fuel engines, and analyses the received data to determine service and maintenance needs. This, Wartsila says, ensures the optimal performance of the engines and reduces operating expenses.

In addition to CBM, the Megastar will also have access to Wartsila's 24/7 online operational and technical support.

"We are happy to continue our cooperation with Wartsila, as their comprehensive and customised service offering met all our maintenance needs. Wartsila as a maintenance partner ensures that all maintenance is conducted in the highest standards of quality, safety and reliability," said Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik, Head of ship management of AS Tallink Grupp. "The predictability of maintenance costs helps us to optimise our operations and the availability of instant online support increases the vessel's availability. With continuous monitoring and condition based maintenance, our passengers can enjoy their voyage without any unexpected interruptions."

Bunker Index reported last month that Tallink Group had inked an agreement with bunker supplier Neste for 2017, which will see Neste supply low-sulphur marine fuel to Tallink's vessels calling at Finnish ports.