Wasaline Upgrades Aurora Botnia for a Sustainable Future

The Aurora Botnia, operated by Wasaline, is a hybrid ferry powered by dual-fuel engines (biogas) and batteries, designed for eco-friendly operation. Scheduled for commissioning in early 2026, an upgrade will introduce an advanced Energy Management System, power drives, and integrated control systems to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Wasaline’s managing director, Peter Ståhlberg, emphasized the company’s dedication to decarbonized shipping, with their partnership with Wärtsilä setting new benchmarks for the maritime industry. The Aurora Botnia serves as a floating testbed within Wärtsilä’s Sustainable Technology Hub, refining hybrid technologies for sustainability.

Launched in 2021, the ferry is equipped with four Wärtsilä 31DF engines, renowned for ultra-low emissions, enabling low-impact voyages between Vaasa, Finland, and Umeå, Sweden. The upgrade will boost its battery capacity from 2,2 MWh to 12,6 MWh, creating the world’s largest operational marine battery hybrid system. The project was booked in Q3 2025.

Additionally, Wärtsilä’s retrofit on Corsica Linea’s Pascal Paoli ferry achieved up to 22 % fuel savings, cutting costs by approximately $7 700 per trip, advancing decarbonization and compliance with strict emission regulations.