When you’re catering to the ultra-luxury market, only the best will do. That’s why The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection chose Wärtsilä 31 engines for their new line of luxury superyachts. These reliable engines provide the ultimate in guest comfort while also reducing emissions.
With a name such as The Ritz-Carlton, which is synonymous with land-based luxury, guests know what to expect before they even step on board the company’s new line of ultra-luxury superyachts. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection combines the comfort and unparalleled level of individualised service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned, while also offering the finest amenities and marine innovations to ensure the best possible guest experience at sea.
Ilma, the second vessel in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s line-up of superyachts, is already in production and is expected to launch in 2024 with four Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines. “The W31DF is the best performer on the market in terms of fuel consumption and emissions,” explains Glenn Mattas, Sales Account Manager at Wärtsilä. “It’s also a very reliable engine, which is extremely important for the cruise market.”
In addition to low emissions and reliability, minimising noise and vibrations on board the vessel was a must. The standard Wärtsilä 31DF generates very low noise and vibration, but to add an extra level of comfort Wärtsilä created a custom flexible mounting solution. This helps to ensure that guests are not disturbed while they’re enjoying the cruise.
Wärtsilä also supplied four selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, one for each engine. The SCR system reduces the level of nitrogen oxide in the engine’s exhaust gas using catalyst elements and a reducing agent. This further improves the environmental performance of the vessel, a feature that is important to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – not only in terms of guest comfort, but also to support their goal of minimising the carbon footprint of their operations.
Ilma is being built by French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a long-time partner for Wärtsilä, with cooperation between the two companies dating back to the 1990s. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is pleased with the Wärtsilä 31 engines, which performed as expected during the factory acceptance test. “Even though the test is a standard part of the delivery process, it’s always great to get good feedback,” says Mattas.
Off the back of this successful cooperation, an additional ultra-luxury superyacht is on the way. Luminara, the third vessel for the company and an identical build to Ilma, is expected to launch in 2025. There’s also an option for additional vessels – meaning The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is well prepared to extend their luxury offering on the waves to a growing number of discerning customers.
Ensure passenger comfort on board a luxury superyacht.
Four Wärtsilä 31DF engines with custom flexible engine mounts.
Low engine noise and vibrations along with minimal emissions.
