Rolls-Royce to Supply Fuel-Saving Propellors for Hybrid-Ready, Bio-Diesel Powered Ferry

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Monday September 14, 2015

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (Rolls-Royce) Thursday announced that it has been awarded a contract to deliver two Azipull propellors to an "environmentally friendly" bio-diesel powered ferry set to operate in North Norway.

The full feathering propellors that will be featured on the vessel's thrusters are said to enable the operator to reduce the amount of engine power needed during the ferry's crossings, reducing fuel consumption and boosting vessel efficiency.

The double-ended ferry, which is owned by Torghatten Trafikkselskap AS, is said to have been designed enable future upgrades to become a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electrical battery powered vessel.

"This will give the owner flexibility on where the ferry can operate in the future," stated Rolls-Royce.

The ferry is be built will by Fiskerstrand Verft AS's (Fiskerstrand's) yard, near Ålesund, using Rolls-Royce's AZP85 main propulsion, which is said to provide "improved steering stability and manoeuvrability."

"These types of double-ended ferries are designed to commute back and forth between ferry quays along the rugged Norwegian coastline, and are vital connectors in the country's road infrastructure," explained Rolls-Royce.

"It will be built to run on 100 percent bio diesel, reducing the environmental footprint in areas where electrical shore power is not available when the vessel is in port."

The contract is said to include the option for Rolls-Royce to supply propellors for two additional ferries.

In August, Rolls-Royce has announced that it will lead a new €6.6 million ($7.23 million) project working toward autonomous ships, known as the Advanced Autonomous Waterborne Applications Initiative.