FPT to provide propulsion for two new Maltese ferries
Propulsion for two new ferries bound for Malta will be provided by engines supplied by Mermaid Marine.
FPT C90 620 Cursor engines have been chosen for the ferries which are currently under construction by Exeter Maritime Services for Marsamxetto Steamferry Services Ltd.
The monohull ferries have been designed by naval architect Bruce Sexton Barrow and are due to be launched at the end of April.
The ferries will each carry up to 66 passengers for commuter and tourist links, running a shuttle service between islands on demand.
They are constructed from aluminium with deep ‘V’ hulls and designed to be lightweight and easily driven.
Each is 17.5m in length, with a 5.53m beam and a 1.2m draft and designed as open vessels with seating covered by an awning and a pilot house for the skipper.
“The design has a very broad beam for the length to give extra carrying capacity,” explained Brian Pogson MD of Exeter Maritime Services.
“The ferries have a large outer return chine on the outer edges of the hull to create better lift from the plane and greater stability while at rest and also when they are going along.”
The FPT electronic common rail engines are six cylinder, 8.7 litre displacement and have been derated to 450bhp (331kW) @ 2530rpm.
FPT is part of the Fiat Group which focuses on research and development. The engines have high specific outputs and high torque at low revolutions backed up by a reduction of noise and vibration.
“Steve Atkins, Mermaid Marine sales executive, said: “The engines have very low exhaust emissions and low noise levels.
“There are two ranges, leisure duty diesel engines and the Cursor series for commercial use.
“The engines are lightweight for their class and have a compact design with low volume/power and weight/power ratios which makes for easier engine installation and great efficiency.”
The order for the two ferries follows on from two 19m catamarans built for the same client by Exeter Maritime Services last year.
By Katina Read
