Wärtsilä has been appointed electrical integrator for a landmark marine battery upgrade on Wasaline’s ROPAX ferry Aurora Botnia, expanding onboard capacity from 2.2MWh to 12.6MWh.
The 10.4MWh marine battery extension – booked in Q3 2025 – will establish the vessel as the world’s largest operational marine battery hybrid system.
Hybrid propulsion continues to gain traction as a scalable pathway to decarbonise short-sea shipping. By integrating energy storage with conventional engines, operators can significantly reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Aurora Botnia, already equipped with dual-fuel engines and biogas-powered battery propulsion, will undergo a full integration led by Wärtsilä. The scope includes delivery of an advanced Energy Management System, upgraded power drives, and control system enhancements. Commissioning is expected in early 2026.
Serving as a floating testbed linked to Wärtsilä’s Sustainable Technology Hub, the vessel supports ongoing development of hybrid architectures aimed at optimising fuel efficiency and minimising exhaust emissions. Already operating with carbon-neutral credentials, Aurora Botnia is recognised as one of the most environmentally advanced ferries in service.
“Wasaline once again demonstrates its strong commitment to decarbonisation by extending the electrification capacity of this ferry,” said Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä Marine and EVP at Wärtsilä Corporation. “Our latest contribution will optimise the ship’s operations even further, creating fuel savings and a significant reduction in emissions.”
The ferry operates on the Kvarken route between Vaasa, Finland and Umeå, Sweden.
