Norwegian Ferries to Install Bunker Saving Rolls-Royce Propulsion Systems

Fjord 1 and Bastø-Fosen have ordered the five ferries between them

Rolls-Royce Wednesday announced it is set to equip five newbuild Norwegian ferries with bunker saving propulsion technology.

Rolls-Royce will supply azimuth propulsion systems for installation into three double-ended ferries for Bastø-Fosen and a further two for Fjord 1.

According to Rolls-Royce, the azimuth thrusters will also give improved steering stability and manoeuvrability.

"The thrusters are also equipped with full feathering propellers so the operator can reduce the amount of engine power needed during crossings," said the engineers.

"This will help reduce fuel consumption and also increase the overall efficiency of the vessels."

The five ferries have been designed by Multi Maritime and will be constructed across three shipyards in Turkey.

"We are very proud to support these ferries which are part of Norway's key coastal transportation system," Helge Gjerde, Senior Vice President for Commercial Marine at Rolls-Royce.

Bastø-Fosen's three ferries, which will be 142 metres long, with capacity for 200 cars, 600 passengers and between 24 and 30 trucks, will feature two Azipull 100 azimuth thrusters as well as Rolls-Royce Helicon X3 propulsion control systems.

Fjord 1's two ferries will be 74 meters long, with capacity for 60 cars and up to 199 passengers, and will feature Azipull AZP85 azimuth thrusters as well as Rolls-Royce Helicon X3 propulsion control systems.

In January, Norwegian shipping players and government officials signed up to DNV GL's Green Coastal Shipping initiative aiming to make Norway's coastal fleet the greenest in the world.