Sign up
Log in Sign up
Fri 10 Apr 2015, 15:14 GMT

Azimuth propulsion ordered to help reduce fuel consumption


Rolls-Royce thrusters are equipped with full-feathering propellers to help lower engine power use and bunker costs.

Rolls-Royce has signed contracts with Bastø-Fosen and Fjord 1 in Norway for azimuth propulsion systems for five new double-ended ferries. The ferries are scheduled to enter into service along the coast of Norway in the summer of 2016.

The contract value to Rolls-Royce is GBP 5.5 million (approximately $8.1 million) in total. All five ferries are designed by Multi Maritime and are to be constructed in Turkey at the yards Sefine, Cemre and ADA.

The new double-ended ferries are designed to commute back and forth between ferry quays along the rugged Norwegian coastline. Three of the ferries are to be delivered to Bastø-Fosen and will be 142 metres long, with capacity for 200 cars, 600 passengers and between 24 and 30 trucks.

The two remaining ferries are to be delivered to Fjord 1 and will be 74 metres in length, with capacity for 60 cars and up to 199 passengers.

Azimuth thrusters from Rolls-Royce are designed to help give the ferries 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. This in turn will help reduce fuel consumption and also increase the overall efficiency of the vessels.

Helge Gjerde, Rolls-Royce, SVP Commercial Marine, said: "We are very proud to support these ferries which are part of Norway's key coastal transportation system. Norwegian ferry owners have been in the forefront of ship technology for many years, and seek environmental friendly and reliable solutions for travelling in the Norwegian fjords and along the coastline. It's also close to home for us, with our Rolls-Royce Marine base in Norway."

The three larger Bastø-Fosen ferries are equipped with two Azipull 100 azimuth thrusters which are placed one in each end of the ferry. They also have Rolls-Royce Helicon X3 propulsion control systems. The two Fjord 1 ferries each have Azipull AZP85 azimuth thrusters, also with Helicon X3 propulsion control systems.

Christiania Energy headquarters. Christiania Energy relocates headquarters within Odense Harbour  

Bunker firm moves to larger waterfront office to accommodate growing team and collaboration needs.
AiP award ceremony for 20K LNGBV design. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries receives design approval for 20,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel  

Bureau Veritas grants approval in principle following joint development project with South Korean shipbuilder.
Lloyd’s Register technical committee meeting in Spain. Peninsula outlines dual role in FuelEU Maritime compliance at Lloyd’s Register panel  

Marine fuel supplier discusses challenges for shipowners and opportunities for suppliers under new regulation.
Current status of fleet fuel types chart. LNG-fuelled container ships dominate January alternative-fuel vessel orders  

Container ships accounted for 16 of 20 alternative-fuelled vessels ordered in January, DNV reports.
Rick Boom, CIMAC and Professor Lynn Loo, GCMD. GCMD and CIMAC sign partnership to advance alternative marine fuel readiness  

Two-year agreement aims to bridge operational experience with technical standards for decarbonisation solutions.
Renewable and low-carbon methanol project pipeline chart as of January 2026. Renewable methanol project pipeline reaches 58.2m tonnes by 2031, GENA reports  

Project Navigator Methanol tracks 275 projects, including e-methanol, biomethanol and low-carbon methanol facilities globally.
Petrobras logo. Petrobras adjusts bunker pricing and minimum order volumes at Santos  

Brazilian supplier discontinues volume discount tier and lowers minimum order quantity from 1 March.
Viking Grace vessel. Viking Line secures biogas supply for 2026 after tenfold increase in biofuel use  

Åland-based ferry operator aims to maintain 50% biogas blend throughout the year on two vessels.
GNV Aurora vessel. GNV takes delivery of second LNG-powered vessel Aurora from Chinese shipyard  

Vessel to enter service on Genoa–Palermo route in April, completing first fleet renewal phase.
Tangier Maersk vessel. Maersk takes delivery of first methanol-capable vessel in 9,000-teu series  

Tangier Maersk is the first of six mid-size container ships with methanol-capable dual-fuel engines.




 Recommended