‘We have equipped the new ferry with modern, low emission engines with catalytic converters and particle filters. We have ordered another similar ferry which will delivered in the Spring and have an option on two more.’

The engines on board Venus are four Volvo Penta D12Ds rated at 450hp each. These feature an advanced electronically controlled fuel system which delivers exhaust emissions well inside IMO standards and will also meet new US standards which come into force next year. Also on board the vessel are two Volvo Penta D5A TA genset units rated at 72kW each.

To further reduce exhaust emissions, the engines on board Venus are equipped with catalytic converters which reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide levels by 80 to 90%. The propulsion units are equipped with particle filters that separate 90% of the particles and continually combust them into carbon dioxide and water.

Developed for marine requirements, the D12 delivers the torque at low rpm important for both performance and vessel manoeuvrability. The power enables the ferry to cruise on just two engines for reduced fuel consumption.

The four propulsion engines work in pairs, with each pair connected to a thruster through drive belts and couplings at either end of the ferry. The vessel can thus be driven in either direction and the entire system is controlled and supervised electronically.

The control system continually measures the load on each engine. If the load is low, only one engine is used and if both are driving, the system ensures that each engine carries exactly the same load and operates at the same rpm. This minimises the load on drive belts and couplings while optimising power for manoeuvring.

MJ Information No: 18802