Cat Provides Propulsion Systems for Scandlines Ferries

Caterpillar Marine Power Systems was recently selected to provide combined propulsion systems for two Scandlines ferry newbuilds. The two ferries will each be equipped with 5x MaK 9 M 32 C engines with Cat Common Rail. Each M 32 C engine produces 4,500 kW at 600 rpm for 22,500 kW of total power per vessel. The engines are optimized for smokeless operation and reduced nitrogen emission levels, which fulfill IMO II requirements.

“Based on the success of the retrofitted M 32 C engines on container vessels, Scandlines asked Caterpillar to deliver the engines for a unique combined propulsion system for two new single-end car ferries,” said Andreas Banck, Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co.KG Senior Test Engineer. “The MaK engines will power both the main propulsion engines and the alternators enabling Scandlines to reduce maintenance costs and operate the ferries in a safe, environmentally-friendly manner.”

Caterpillar initially developed the Cat Common Rail system for the M 32 C engine series in 2006. The Edith Maersk, owned by A.P. Moeller – Maersk A/S, utilized the first M 32 C auxiliary engine retrofitted with Cat Common Rail. Cat Common Rail features electronically controlled, fully flexible injectors capable of injecting all fuels standardized according to ISO 8217 requirements, enabling optimal combustion and low emissions at all levels. Cat Common Rail can be retrofitted on the M 32 C.

“Another remarkable aspect of the M 32 C engine is the option to retrofit the engines to Dual Fuel operation at a later stage if necessary,” said Frank Kircher, Division Manager, Caterpillar Marine Systems Integration. “This gives Scandlines the freedom to decide how they would like to operate the vessels in 2015 when more stringent rules for the Sulfur Emission Controlled Area (SECA) become effective.”

Keel laying began in June 2010 at the P & S Werften (formerly known as Volkswerft) Stralsund yard in Germany. Both vessels will be delivered to Scandlines in 2012. The two ferries will operate between Rostock, Germany and Gedser, Denmark. While the engines will be manufactured at the Caterpillar factory in Kiel, Germany, a collaboration between European Cat Dealers Zeppelin Power Systems and Pon Power Scandinavia will provide Scandlines with sales and installation support, as well as product support and service.