Four Man B&W Diesel Ltd. 18VP185’s each rated at 3,700 kWb will be supplied for a new 269 ft. Aquastrada monohull ferry to be built in Messina, Sicily by the Italian shipbuilder,
Rodriguez Cantieri Navali.
The aluminum-hulled fast ferry will be able to carry up to 1,246 passengers. The
high speed engines are located at the aft end of the ship, allowing for greater optimization of the garage space. Top-loaded speed will be in the regionof 39 knots and the quadruple VP 185 engines will drive LIPS waterjets through Reintjes gearboxes. Waterjet propulsion, is reported to have reduced draft and excellent maneuverability.