Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a nine-year Lifecycle Agreement with Japanese ferry operator Hankyu Ferry. The agreement covers Hankyu’s two newest vessels, the Yamato and Settsu, ensuring uninterrupted service and operational reliability. The order was booked in Q3 2025.
Japan’s ferry industry is highly advanced, with strict environmental and safety regulations. Operators must reduce fuel consumption and emissions while keeping to schedules. The Yamato and Settsu carry trucks and cargo, including food, between Kansai and Kyushu. They also help long-distance truck drivers rest during their journey.
Tsutomu Nishioka, Technical Manager at Hankyu, said, “It is important that our ferries operate sustainably and without disruption. This long-term agreement with Wärtsilä lets us focus on our passengers, knowing that maintenance is expertly managed.”
The agreement includes remote operational support, condition monitoring systems, and Wärtsilä’s predictive maintenance service, Expert Insight. It also ensures optimised maintenance, better fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions.
Henrik Wilhelms, Director of Agreement Sales at Wärtsilä Marine, added, “We support Hankyu remotely to prevent issues and restore operations quickly if they occur. This agreement helps the company meet strict environmental and operational standards while delivering reliable service.”
Wärtsilä’s Lifecycle Agreements provide cost predictability and operational efficiency tailored to each customer. Wilhelms said, “Our one-stop support minimises environmental impact, optimises maintenance, and keeps sailing schedules on track.”
The 195-metre Yamato and Settsu, launched in 2020, serve the Shinmoji–Kobe route. Both ferries are powered by highly efficient Wärtsilä 31 engines.
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