Increased power for the Sulzer RTA96C
Wärtsilä Corporation has increased the power outputs available from Sulzer RTA96C low-speed marine diesel engines by some four percent, and also added a 14-cylinder model to bring the maximum output available up to 80,080 kW (108,920 bhp). The higher powers and the 14-cylinder engine are intended to meet the requirements of shipowners and shipbuilders for both today's large, fast post-Panamax container ships and the next generation of larger ships of up to 10,000 TEU. The RTA96C now gives 5,720 kW (7,780 bhp) per cylinder maximum continuous output at 102 rpm. Thus the power output of the 12-cylinder RTA96C is increased from 65,880 kW (89,640 bhp) maximum continuous output to 68,640 kW (93,360 bhp).
Propulsion Report
On February 14, the world's largest high-speed ferry catamaran Stena Discovery took off from Belfast, after a planned drydocking, and about one hour out at sea on the captain's command the waterjet control was switched over to steering by a retrofitted Humphree Interceptor Steering System. While the interceptors engaged and provided the means for directional control of the vessel, the steering buckets of the four Kamewa 160 SII waterjets, in total absorbing a power of 68.5 MW, automatically returned to their neutral, or boost position, allowing all waterjet thrust to be vectored forward for maximum thrust, and eliminating the waterjet bucket drag.
