Four MaK 8M 32 C generator sets will be onboard each of the new double-ended ferries for BC Ferries.
BC Ferries operates a dense network along the Pacific coast of British Columbia with a fleet of 35 vessels. As the start of a newbuilding program, the Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) will, between December 2007 and June 2008, deliver three "Super C-Class" double-ended ferries that measure 160 x 28.2 with a 5.75 m draft, able to carry 370 automobiles, 1650 passengers and 35 crew.
The four MaK 8M 32 C generator sets jointly supply the electrical energy for the currently operating unit of the two propulsion motors (each of 11,000 kW), all the auxiliary systems and the comprehensive facilities available on the ships. At an engine speed of 600 rpm, a total of 16,000 kW is available at the main switchboard and, even with only two generator sets active, a cruise speed of 18 knots can still be maintained.
The decision of the shipping company and the yard in favor of MaK 8M 32 C generator sets from Caterpillar Marine Power Systems is the result of many years of successful cooperation between the partners. As early as 1970, BC Ferries had good experience with MaK propulsion systems following the conversion of two ships and has since equipped a large proportion of their new ships with MaK or Cat engines. The Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft also mainly employs the proven MaK drive systems in their well-known RoRo type ships.