Corsaire 13000 Embodies Integrated, Advanced Propulsion System

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, couplings, shafts, generators, and fuel and exhaust systems all come from MTU — as well as the comprehensive electronic control and monitoring system.

The heart of the propulsion system is two MTU 20-cylinder 1163 series engines, working in combination with a pair of GE LM 2500 gas turbines. Together they generate 65,000 kW.

For onboard and emergency power, MTU has supplied five 12V 183 engines. In addition, the ship is equipped with the MCS-5 Type 2 electronic control and monitoring unit for the propulsion system, the onboard power supply units and many measuring points throughout the ship.

The Corsaire 13000 is one of the first commercial projects to boast the complete MTU package, a company that has a long history in supplying similar systems for naval applications.

The integration of much of the propulsion package is a natural evolution of the consolidation of marine equipment suppliers today. There are fewer, larger players on the international maritime market, and while lack of choice could lead to disadvantages for owners and builders, the field is still fiercely competitive enough so that "one-stop shops" actually help to make the vessel design and construction process more efficient and cost-effective. Previously (and in many cases, still), shipbuilders are tasked with integrating all elements into a cohesive system, a process that takes time and expertise. The single-system supplier helps to alleviate critical time spent otherwise on such system integration.

New Perkins Sabre Engine Unveiled The new turbocharged Perkins Sabre M85T diesel engine is now available in the U.S. and Canada. The engine is the latest addition to the Perkins Sabre 65 to 800-hp range, and significantly is the engine maker's fourth addition in the past 18 months. The new three liter, four cylinder engine is thought to be ideal for the re-power market as the compact engine has a low-line profile better than many two liter engines on the market, the manufacturers say. The M85T develops its maximum 85-hp at 2,600 rpm, helping to reduce wear and minimize vibration.

Composites For Lighter, Stronger Shafts Cutting weight without compromising strength is a mantra for marine vessel and equipment designers. Celsius Applied Composites offers shafting and coupling products, which promise to perform in the rigorous marine environment while saving significant amounts of weight. Applied Composites shafting systems include composite shafts, bearings, bulkhead seals, spacers and fasteners. Acabflex gives a new perspective to lightweight flexible couplings, and are available in sizes up to 150 kNm.

Derecktor Boats To Offer Advanced Equipment Alstom Regulateurs Europa is supplying a host of advanced products and systems for a new 135.5 ft. (41 m) fast ferry being built by Derecktor Shipyard for Nantucket/Woods Hole Steamship Authority. Specifically, the 36-knot, 300-passenger fast ferry will feature two Regulateurs Europa Viking Propulsion Control Panels (PCP) that interface with the Kamewa waterjets and Reintjes clutch/gearbox, which will enable functions such as back-flushing of the waterjets. Mounted on the twin Paxman 12VP185 engines (each @ 2,500 kWb) are Regulateurs Europa type 2231 hydraulic actuators with ballhead backup.

Computerized Propeller Analysis Hale Propeller is distributing the latest version of its Propeller Measurement Recording Instrument (MRI) to the marine industry through a strategic alliance with Michigan Wheel Crop. Hale's MRI is a sophisticated and versatile computerized 3-D propeller measurement and analysis device. A point-and-click command structure allows most users to learn the MRI operation in a few hours. The Hale MRI provides a complete propeller analysis — consisting of thousands of measurements — in five minutes.

TF50 Gas Turbines Specified For High-Speed Yacht Vericor Power Systems supplied Detroit Diesel Corp. with a TF50 aeroderivative marine gas turbine for the Detroit Eagle, a high-speed megayacht. This is significant, as it will mark the first TF50 to begin operation. The 153-ft. (46.6 m) Detroit Eagle is expected to have a cruising speed of approximately 35 knots.

DDC will supply the completely integrated Combined Diesel and Gas Turbine (CODAG) system for the vessel.

S&S To Supply Gensets For Holland America Four of S&S Energy's GE LM2500 aeroderivative gas turbine-generator sets will be utilized by Holland America on four of the line's newbuilds. Scheduled to be constructed at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard, each 951 ft. (289.8 m), 84,000-ton vessel will be equipped with one of the gensets, operating in tune with one or more of the five diesel generators onboard. This combination enables the vessels to run in environmentally sensitive areas using clean gas turbine power. The vessels will also incorporate a podded drive propulsion system, which provides better maneuverability and enhanced operating efficiencies.

Operating approximately 2,500 hours per year, each LM2500 will be fueled by Marine Gas Oil. The turbines will be configured with a low-pressure waste heat boiler tapping into each vessel's steam system.

TRAC Stabilizers Provide Improved Control Known for its TRAC thrusters, American Bow Thruster added a high performance, active fin roll TRAC Digital Stabilizer, which monitors rate of roll and heel angle.

The system automatically measures vessel speed, and quickly adjusts system gain accordingly to eliminate long-standing weakness of traditional stabilizer systems.

A specially designed winglet increases lift by 30 percent while lowering drag by 20 percent for optimal performance. While there are no special adjustments mandated for different sea states, the TRAC automatically adjusts to any sea state for maximum stabilization. Available in sizes ranging from 2.5 to 58 sq. ft., TRAC easily integrates with ABT thruster and central hydraulic systems.

Cole Hersee Introduces Brass Ignition Key Cole Hersee Co., manufacturer of heavy-duty electrical products for the vehicle industry, has introduced the M-725 switch. This practical device is equipped with shoulders at the key entry that help provide torque from the key to the switch to eliminate shearing of the key shank. In order to keep moisture away from the electrical contacts, the product is filled with o-ring seals. Solid brass screw terminals and chrome-plated hardware complement the switch as well.