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Rolls-Royce has been selected by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, via its Alaska Marine Highway System, and Vigor Industrial, to provide a highly efficient propulsion system for its future Alaska class ferries that are to be built by Vigor Shipyards in Ketchikan, Alaska.

The two Alaska class ferries are to feature a range of Rolls-Royce technology, including reduction gearboxes, tunnel thrusters and steering gears.

The Rolls-Royce Promas propulsion system, which integrates controllable pitch propellers and rudders, is designed to increase fuel efficiency and enhance manoeuvrability.

Tor-Gunnar Hovig, SVP Commercial Marine, North America - Rolls-Royce, said: "We are delighted to work with the Alaska Marine Highway System and Vigor Shipyards to provide a robust and fuel efficient propulsion system for these new ferries that will benefit the state and people of Alaska for many decades to come.

"What is also exciting about this contract is that it represents the first time a ferry operator in North America will utilize our Promas integrated propeller and rudder system, which improves the propulsion performance by means of increasing the efficiency, resulting in lower fuel consumption compared to traditional systems. To date, more than 60 new build ships feature Promas with close to 40 already retrofitted with the system."

Each ferry will be 280 feet long, seat up to 300 passengers and carry more than 50 standard vehicles; and will feature bow and stern doors, for quicker loading and unloading, and fully enclosed car decks.