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'Fastest Diesel Ferry' Makes American Debut

01 Jun 2004

A 284ft long Australian built catamaran claimed to be the world's fastest diesel powered high speed vehicle ferry was commissioned in April onto the commuter service between Rochester, New York and Toronto, Canada. The Spirit of Ontario will reduce travel time between the two cities by over 50%. Servicing the Canadian American Transportation System , it is the first super-ferry to be home ported in the USA and is expected to lead to wider high speed ferry uptake in other major metropolitan areas.
The Spirit of Ontario will reduce travel time between Rochester USA and Toronto, Canada by over 50 per cent. .
The Spirit of Ontario will reduce travel time between Rochester USA and Toronto, Canada by over 50 per cent. .

Powered by four MTU 20 V 8000 diesel engines, the vessel has a loaded speed of 45.7 knots while carrying 774 passengers and up to 238 cars or 10 full size trucks. Ro-ro capabilities allow for fast loading of the two vehicle decks and the two passenger decks are equipped with business travel amenities such as restaurants, bars, two cinemas, varied seating arrangements, television, and internet access.

The four MTU diesels deliver a total propulsive power of 32,800kW at a rated speed of 1,150rpm. Fuel consumption is below 195g/kWh across a broad power range and NOx emissions are below IMO limits.

Australia based Austal has four shipyards, including Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. Although Spirit of Ontario was built in Australia, Austal claims the American facility has the capability to produce such a vessel and has, in fact, turned out its largest ever ferry recently, a 58m catamaran that will operate across Lake Michigan for Lake Express LLC.

MJInformation No: 19514

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The Spirit of Ontario will reduce travel time between Rochester USA and Toronto, Canada by over 50 per cent. .

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