Helsinki, Finland – July 24, 2025 – In a significant move toward greener shipping operations, Corsica Linea has achieved up to 22% fuel savings on its RoPax ferry Pascal Paoli following a comprehensive retrofit by technology group Wärtsilä. The advanced package, completed in late 2024, improves propulsion efficiency and directly supports the ferry operator’s goal to cut carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.
The Wärtsilä retrofit included a new twin-screw controllable pitch propeller (CPP) system, custom-optimized blades for the vessel’s specific route profile, and integration of the EnergoProFin energy-saving propeller cap. The upgrade also featured modernized control systems and bespoke combinator curves tailored for variable operating modes.
The result: up to US$7,700 in fuel savings per trip, representing both a financial and environmental win for Corsica Linea.
Efficiency gains were confirmed through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and validated in real conditions during sea trials alongside the ship’s chief engineer. This thorough testing confirmed performance improvements without compromising vessel handling — a crucial factor for ferry operations.
“We are extremely happy with the efficiency improvements,” said Xavier Esnault, Energy Transition Project Manager at Corsica Linea. “The savings are vital both from a cost perspective and in supporting our decarbonization strategy.”
The retrofit aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s Net-Zero Framework, particularly its GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) regulation, which incentivizes owners to reduce emissions through operational upgrades and efficiency measures. By minimizing fuel consumption, the Pascal Paoli not only cuts CO₂ emissions but also reduces overall demand for fossil fuel bunkering, helping drive the shift toward sustainable fuels.
The Pascal Paoli, a 174-meter RoPax vessel operating between Marseille and Bastia, runs on two Wärtsilä 46 engines per shaftline. The retrofit was implemented without compromising the vessel’s maneuverability or operational performance, preserving tight schedule reliability on its busy route.
“Ferry operators, such as Corsica Linea, are looking to leverage technologies that offer minimal service disruption and a maximised return on investment, all while reducing their carbon footprint. For this reason, the fuel efficiency upgrade carried out on the Pascal Paoli was done with the aim of supporting Corsica Linea with achieving these goals,” Said Andrey Dudko, Product Manager, Propulsion – Wärtsilä Marine.
Corsica Linea’s retrofit sets a compelling precedent: modern efficiency upgrades can reduce overall fuel requirements while supporting compliance with emission-linked pricing models. As marine fuels evolve, such innovations bridge the gap between current operations and the low-carbon future.
Founded in 2016, CORSICA linea is one of the major Mediterranean shipping companies, operating across two key segments: freight and passenger transport. From Marseille, CORSICA linea provides year-round service to Corsican ports (Bastia, Ajaccio, Propriano, and L’Île-Rousse) as part of its public service mission. The company also operates routes to Algeria (Algiers, Béjaïa, and Skikda) and Tunisia (Tunis).
With a fleet of nine vessels flying the French first flag, CORSICA linea employs 1,400 staff, including 900 seafarers, making it the largest employer of French seafarers in the Mediterranean.
About Wärtsilä Marine
Wärtsilä Marine is a global leader in power, propulsion, and lifecycle solutions for the maritime industry. With a deep portfolio that includes marine engines, propulsion systems, hybrid technologies, exhaust treatment, and digital innovations, Wärtsilä is committed to driving the maritime transition to decarbonised operations. Their integrated approach spans performance-based agreements, lifecycle support, and digital ecosystems connecting vessels and ports.
About Wärtsilä
Wärtsilä Corporation is a global technology leader serving the marine and energy sectors. With a workforce of 18,300 professionals across 77 countries, Wärtsilä recorded EUR 6.4 billion in net sales in 2024. The company focuses on sustainable innovation to improve the environmental and economic performance of its global clientele. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
