Ferry Applications News

Hybrid is not only here, it is growing, and with that growth it will soon reach far beyond coastal applications.For those who were around for the arrival of Y2K, you will remember the anticipation, preparation and perspiration as the maritime world waited for the failure of communications, navigation, security and machinery associated with the digital change of the clock. The forecasts, now historical urban legend, left the world without a digital catastrophe.We wait now for 2020 and the advent of the IMO maritime emissions regulations.

Cavotec's MoorMaster automated mooring and Automatic Plug-in System (APS) are set to enter service with a hybrid battery-powered ferry in Finland, delivering substantial operational efficiencies and reducing environmental impact. The Electra, operated by FinFerries, is 90m long, 16m wide, and carries up to 90 vehicles. It makes crossings at 15-minute intervals during the day, and one round trip per hour at night, year-round and in all weather conditions between Parainen and Nauvo in southwest Finland.

The Incat Tasmania Pty shipyard in Hobart, Australia has again specified Wärtsilä waterjets and controls for a new fast ferry, the 'KatExpress 3', being built for Danish operator Mols-Linien. The yard has previously specified Wärtsilä waterjets for a number of fast ferry projects. This latest order was placed in November. The scope of supply includes four Wärtsilä LJX 1500 SRI waterjets and a Wärtsilä Lipstronic control system. The equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard in September, 2016. "The strong relationship between Wärtsilä and the Incat yard continues, and this latest order confirms the good cooperation that the two companies enjoy. It also underlines Wärtsilä's commitment to the Australian market.

Incat, the Australian shipyard, has awarded MAN Diesel & Turbo the contract to supply the engines for the ‘KatExpress 3’, a high-speed ferry newbuilding. In total, 4 × 20V28/33D STC engines, each delivering 9,100kW, will drive the four waterjets that will power the 109-m, wave-piercing catamaran for Mols-Linien, the Danish ferry operator. Lex Nijsen – Head of Four-Stroke Marine – MAN Diesel & Turbo, said: “This is an important order for us and a welcome addition to our existing references in the high-speed ferry segment. It is a technically-enhanced, repeat order with our newest, state-of-the-art engine; a success that builds on our ability to deliver engines with unrivalled fuel consumption in their class within a tight, customer-defined schedule.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) is working with British port to develop operational procedures and technical standards required for safe LNG bunkering operations. LR has commenced a project to identify the technical specifications and develop operating procedures for safe LNG bunkering in Portsmouth International Port. The project will position Portsmouth to develop its ambitions to become an LNG bunkering facility and hub – the first in the United Kingdom. Leonidas Karistios, Global Gas Technology Manager…

Caterpillar, Inc. is continuing its focus on LNG engine technology as part of its ongoing commitment to develop environmentally clean, fuel-efficient engines for the marine industry. This initiative will ensure the company’s marine-focused engines are in compliance with existing IMO II (and pending IMO III) emissions requirements and low-sulfur fuel regulations in emission-controlled areas. Following the company’s 2011 introduction of the MaK M 46 DF, a dual-fuel engine platform for the commercial marine industry that will be available in 1st quarter  2014, Caterpillar is simultaneously developing a LNG-fueled, high-speed engine below 2 MW that will be designed primarily for electric propulsion with specific focus on offshore and ferry applications.

All American Marine, Inc. and Teknicraft Design, Ltd. have successfully made a proposal to Kitsap Transit to bring a new passenger ferry to Rich Passage. On Tuesday, April 21st, the commissioners of Kitsap Transit unanimously approved $5.3m for the purchase of a 77 ft ultra-low wake Teknicraft catamaran and on May 18th, All American Marine received the signed notice-to-proceed. The high speed passenger catamaran will carry 118 passengers and operate between Bremerton and Seattle, Washington at speeds of 29 to 38 knots.

GE Marine Engines announced that 36 GE LM aeroderivative gas turbines have accumulated more than 600,000 hours operating aboard 16 fast ferries. Fast ferry operators have selected our gas turbines for a variety of propulsion system configurations. This milestone further demonstrates the outstanding reliability and availability of the LM gas turbines for fast ferry applications,” said Karl Matson, general manager of GE Marine Engines. The Stena Explorer, a Highspeed Sea Service (HSS) catamaran, is the fast ferry that has operated the longest using GE gas turbines. The ship, which began operation in June 1996, is still in service today.

GE Marine Engines announced that 36 GE LM aeroderivative gas turbines have accumulated more than 600,000 hours operating aboard 16 fast ferries. "Fast ferry operators have selected our gas turbines for a variety of propulsion system configurations. This milestone further demonstrates the outstanding reliability and availability of the LM gas turbines for fast ferry applications," said Karl Matson, general manager of GE Marine Engines. The Stena Explorer, a Highspeed Sea Service (HSS) catamaran, is the fast ferry that has operated the longest using GE gas turbines. The ship, which began operation in June 1996, is still in service today.

Compelling design and operational arguments in favor of podded electric drives can be expected to transcend any negative impressions formed from the recent clutch of problems and complications experienced with such systems in certain cruise ship and ferry applications. Experience has shown that technical innovation in the maritime field has invariably been accompanied by early setbacks in some shape or form. In an industry where conservatism is the order of the day, and understandably so where assets are subjected to the rigors of the elements as well as the vicissitudes of the markets, those operators willing to be the standard bearers with new technology provide a beacon for the wider maritime community.

Austal Ships' Managing Director, Mr Bob McKinnon said he believes after a period of low activity within the fast ferry market, there are now signs that the market is on the rebound, coming primarily from three principal sources: existing fast ferry operators attracted by new technologies; the growth and emergence of new markets; and the use of fast ferry technology in new roles such as military applications. McKinnon presented his thoughts at Ausmarine 2002, an international marine industry conference being held in Fremantle, Western Australia. McKinnon said that diversification of the customer base would almost certainly result in a more diverse range of fast ferries being delivered over the next few years.