Chris Fertig of Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) is competing for the Bermuda Challenge World Record leaving on his boat, the TDI CLEAN DIESEL from Liberty Harbor Marina in New York at 9:30 a.m. on September 21, 2011.
MLL's sponsorship support of the M/V TDI Clean Diesel, captained by MLL's own Fertig -- General Manager of MLL's Maritime Technical Services (MTS) business unit -- will be competing for the Bermuda Challenge World Record. Created by Boating Magazine in 1994, the Bermuda Challenge is an offshore powerboat endurance race which begins at the Statue of Liberty in New York City and finishes at the sea buoy in St. Georges, Bermuda. This event was designed to challenge marine engineers and boat builders to develop more reliable and efficient vessels which are capable of making the arduous 780 mile open ocean transit from New York City to Bermuda.
Over the last three years, Chris has put together a remarkable team comprised of 13 different industry leading companies and sponsors committed to breaking the current Bermuda Challenge World Record which currently stands at 22 hours and 23 minutes, while using less fuel and producing less engine emissions than the current record holder.
Only a few have taken on the challenge over the years. In 2002 the record time was set at 22 hours, 23 minutes, which still stands unchallenged. Fertig of Virginia Beach, Va. is ready to beat the standing record by more than two hours.
With approximately five years of experience at MLL, Chris has a first-hand glimpse of what it takes to keep an entire fleet of ships running efficiently. As part of MLL's MTS business unit which provides defense consulting services to government and commercial clients, Chris is involved with marine program management, maritime technology research, marine systems integration along with fleet operational efficiency management and optimization. Leveraging his knowledge acquired through his years of technical experience, Chris decided to incorporate a set of best practices into his boat.
Chris' boat is powered by stern-drives and will cruise at 35 knots any extra fuel. The boat will use some of the latest, most innovative technologies in the boating industry. Chris expects to make the journey getting about 3mpg of fuel.
Technologies Being Used
- Statement Marine Shock-mitigating air-ride suspension system
- Simrad Integrated Navigation System
- FLIR thermal imaging System
- Shadow-Caster CAN-controllable LED lighting
- Dragoon Technologies Satellite Communications
- David Clark Wireless Marine Intercom System
- Cummins Mercruiser Diesel Axius Propulsion System
- Cummins Mercruiser Diesel 4.2L, 350HP twin turbocharged TDI Engines, EPA Tier III Compliant, Ultra low NOx, SOx, and particulates emissions