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Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has signed a GBP20 million (approx. USD32 million) contract to supply engines and propulsion equipment for four gas-fuelled ferries to be built for the Norwegian operator Torghatten Nord AS.

The vessels will be the first in the world to feature the Rolls-Royce Hybrid Shaft Generator (HSG), which produces electrical power with reduced fuel consumption and emissions. They will also include lean-burn Rolls-Royce Bergen gas engines and the company’s innovative integrated propeller and rudder system, Promas, which is said to reduce drag and increase thrust.

"These technologies will combine to offer an unrivalled environmental performance, including a 40 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions, compared to conventional vessels," Rolls-Royce said in a statement.

Oddbjørn Eliassen, Rolls-Royce, President - Merchant said: “Rolls-Royce is a global leader in the supply of energy efficient technologies which enable ship operators to address the environmental challenges they face. These ferries will combine a range of cutting edge technologies to deliver significant improvements in fuel efficiency and reductions in emissions.”

HSG is an advanced electrical system that enables a step-change in ship efficiency by varying engine and propeller speed to reduce fuel consumption and consequently lower emissions. Ships’ engines traditionally operate at a fixed speed when conventional shaft generators are in use, but HSG allows shaft speed to be reduced, while maintaining a constant frequency for the electrical supply throughout the ship.

These ferries will serve two routes across Vestfjorden in Lofoten in the north of Norway, a stretch of water known for its harsh conditions. They will be built by the Remontowa Shipyard in Gdansk, Poland for delivery in the second half of 2012.