Two new high-speed ferries to be run by Spanish ferry operator Fred. Olsen, S.A. are each to be powered by four MTU 20-cylinder 8000 M71L engines and by Kamewa waterjets from Rolls-Royce.

The ferries will be 117m trimarans, designed by Austal Australia, and are to ply the waters around the Canary Islands along with the world’s largest aluminium fast ferry in operation, the Benchijigua Express. It is also planned to sign a maintenance agreement for both new ferries for a period of up to 8 years and a maximum of 24,000 hours of operation. The Benchijigua Express has been in service since 2005 and is also powered by MTU Series 8000 engines.

Each of the four engines in the new ferries will deliver 9,100kW of power at 1,150rpm. The trimarans will be able to accommodate over 1,100 passengers and up to 276 cars, and will be able to travel at speeds of up to 38 knots. Both ferries are to be delivered and undergo commissioning in 2020.

By Jake Frith