Caterpillar to Provide Propulsion to World's "Most Fuel Efficient" Ferries

Caterpillar Marine will provide engines and required gear boxes to Stena Line's four new Ro-Pax ferries.

Caterpillar Marine (Caterpillar) has announced that it will supply power solutions to Stena Line's (Stena's) four new Ro-Pax ferries - said to be the "most fuel efficient" ferries in the world.

As Ship & Bunker reported in April, Stena signed the contract for the four new vessels, slated for delivery through 2019 and 2020, including an option for another four ships.

"By combining a set of proven technologies Caterpillar's solution will provide Stena Line the most fuel efficient ferries in the world and will set a new industry standard when it comes to operational performance, emissions and cost competitiveness, positioning Stena Line to support its customers in the next decades," said Ulf Hannemann, Caterpillar's cruise and ferry segment manager.

Caterpillar notes that the deal will see the company supply the Stena ferries with engines, required gear boxes, two MPP1500F controllable pitch propellers, and two MPP1410F controllable pitch propellers.

"The propellers have the unique ability to be put in full feathering position, enabling the vessel to operate with only one propeller in certain modes," explained Caterpillar.

"This improves vessel flexibility and reduces operating costs while at the same time increases safety on board the vessel."

The ferries, designed by Deltamarin, are said to be set for construction at China's AVIC Weihai SY, and will have a 1,000 passenger capacity, including 73 crew members.

"The Stena project is a significant milestone for both Pon Power A/S and Caterpillar Marine as Stena Line is one of the first leading European ferry operators to place such an order from a Chinese shipyard," said Erik Hass, account manager at Caterpillar dealer, Pon Power A/S.

In June, DNV GL announced it would provide classification on the four new Stena vessels.