Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ subsidiary has previously equipped three vessels for Malta-based operator
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ subsidiary MTU is to supply four 20-cylinder Series 8000 engines for Virtu Ferries’ new high-speed ferry, which is under construction at Incat Tasmania’s yard in Australia.
The Series 8000 is MTU’s biggest engine, and all four will generate 9,100kW of power. They will be delivered to Incat in the second half of 2018
“We’re delighted that Virtu Ferries has again chosen MTU, particularly since this is the first time we’re supplying Incat with our biggest engine – the Series 8000,” said Knut Müller, head of marine and defence business at MTU. “Our past cooperation on the delivery of Series 4000 units was very successful.”
MTU, which has previously equipped three of Virtu Ferries vessels, will also deliver four 8V 2000 M51A gensets for the newbuild.
“We already have three ferries with MTU propulsion,” said Francis Portelli, managing director at parent company Virtu Holdings. “These engines are light in weight, and we’re very satisfied with them and especially with the after-sales support so MTU was naturally our choice for our new ferry.”
Virtu Ferries’ new 900-passenger ferry will be able to accommodate 167 vehicles and will provide 90-minute crossings on the route between Malta and Sicily. At 110 metres in length, the vessel will be the largest high-speed catamaran operating in the Mediterranean.