Detroit Diesel Corp News

The new 440-ft. (134-m) monohull high-speed ferry Corsaire 13000 will soon undergo speed trials at the French shipyard Alstom Leroux Naval, and the successful testing and subsequent operation of the advanced vessel will prove the value of the complete propulsion system supplied by MTU. The ship is planned to operate for the French SNCM (Societe Nationale Maritime Corse-Mediterranee) on the 189-n m. crossing from Marseille and the island Corsica at 42 knots. The ship's propulsion and power generation system — virtually all of which was supplied by MTU — is truly one of the vessel's distinguishing features. The engines, gas turbines, gearboxes…

Detroit Diesel Corp. has signed a definitive merger agreement with a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG. The agreement calls for DaimlerChrysler, a shareholder of DDC since 1993 that currently owns 21.3 percent of the outstanding common shares of DDC, will commence a cash tender offer for the remaining 78.7 percent of DDC at a price of $23 per common share - for a total transaction value of $423 million. Penske Corp., which owns 48.6 percent of the outstanding common shares of DDC, has committed to tender its shares to DaimlerChrysler.

Guido Perla and Assoc., Inc., has recently completed contract design for Crowley Maritime Corp.'s subsidiary Vessel Management Services' series of three PRT Class (Prevention and Response) Tanker Assist/General Towing Z-Drive tugs. GPA is also furnishing complete detail modular construction engineering for the 140 ft. x 10,192 hp Caterpillar-powered PRT Class, which are currently under construction at Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes, Wash. The vessels are designed as diesel powered twin Z-Drive propulsion tugboats, outfitted for tanker rescue, ocean towing, emergency oil spill response, fire fighting and harbor service. Propulsion is provided by two Caterpillar 3612B diesel engines, each rated 5,096 bhp @ 900 rpm, driving two Kamewa Aquamaster U.S.