Rolls-Royce to supply four high-speed MTU diesel engines and four Kamewa 63S4 waterjets
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Rolls-Royce is to supply power and propulsion equipment to New York’s newest and largest high-speed passenger ferry, which will be operated by New Jersey-based company Seastreak.
Designed by Australia-based company Incat-Crowther, the new catamaran will be built at Gulf Craft’s yard in Los Angeles, US. When the vessel is delivered in 2017, it will be able to carry 600 passengers – 520 inside and 206 outside – making her the highest passenger capacity USCG K-class high-speed ferry in the US.
The new ferry will feature panoramic windows, LED lighting, flat-screen TVs that can be viewed from any seat, multiple dedicated charging stations, wifi and HVAC systems.
Rolls-Royce will supply four high-speed MTU diesel engines type 12V 4000 M64, which will be EPA Tier III compliant and offer low emissions. The four engines will drive four Rolls-Royce Kamewa 63S4 waterjets, providing both reliability and redundancy. This will enable the ferry to operate at 35 knots to make 40-minute crossings between Monmouth County, New Jersey and Wall Street.
“The combination of Rolls-Royce Kamewa waterjets and MTU high-speed diesel engines will help Seastreak transport thousands of customers every day economically, reliably and sustainably,” said Tor-Gunnar Hovig, senior vice president of offshore and merchant solutions North America at Rolls-Royce. “We’re delighted that Seastreak has not only selected Rolls-Royce technology for its newest vessel, but also to re-power three of its existing fleet.”
Seastreak is also investing to upgrade the power and propulsion equipment on three existing vessels – Highlands, New York and New Jersey – over the next several years. Starting with Seastreak New York this winter, Seastreak plans to upgrade and repower one vessel per year each winter.
All three vessels will be refitted with modern Tier 3 MTU 16V 4000 M64 engines driving Rolls-Royce waterjets. This will reduce emissions and remove around 20 tons of weight, greatly improving their speed and efficiency. During the project, Seastreak will also introduce new custom seating, replace windows and carpets, and complete mechanical upgrades.
The new vessel, together with improvements to three Seastreak-class vessels, will require the investment of more than US$24 million.
“These investments reflect our continuing commitment to our customers, and ensures that they will enjoy a modern, reliable and comfortable ferry fleet for many years to come,” said James Barker, Seastreak’s president.