New GE diesels see Workboat Show success

The engines mark the launch of marine orders for GE’s new L250 inline medium speed diesel engine, which made its European debut at SMM in Hamburg in September.

John Manison, manager of GE Transportation’s marine and stationary power business said, ‘We are delighted that this engine has been selected for diverse applications, including two newbuild tugs, a ferry repowering project, and for a new dredging vessel.’

For the first contract, GE will provide Crescent Towing of New Orleans with four 6-cylinder L250 engines. Two L250 diesels each will power two new ASD tugs. The 91’, 5,100hp tugs will be built for Crescent Towing by C&G Boat Works of Mobile, Alabama. This new tugboat project marks Crescent Towing’s first use of GE’s L250 inline engine design. Crescent Towing already employs 16 GE ‘V’ configuration diesel engines aboard 11 of its tugboats.

The second project will see GE will provide MSHS of Fort Lauderdale, Florida with two L250 inline diesels to replace engines on Cross Sound Ferry’s John . vehicle and passenger ferry. The six cylinder L250 engines will be rated 1,826hp at 900rpm and will be installed by the Thames Shipyard in New London, Connecticut.

MSHS is a GE authorized diesel engine distributor. Cross Sound Ferry has an eight vessel fleet that operates on the Long Island Sound. Seven of these vessels can accommodate autos, trucks, motor homes, and buses along with passengers. Cross Sound Ferry also offers high speed ferry service between Long Island, New York and Connecticut.

The John H. was built in 1989 and is the largest ferry in operation to be classed under the United States Coast Guard’s Subchapter T regulations. The ferry features a dual level auto deck, lounge, food service facilities and a satellite television entertainment system. It has recently been fitted with a new elevator for passengers with a disability or needing assistance.

Separately, GE will provide Dredging Supply of Reserve, Louisiana, with one 6-cylinder L250 generator set, rated at 1.5 megawatts. Dredging Supply will employ the L250 genset on a new dredger the company is building for the Port of New Orleans. The GE engines for all three projects will be manufactured at GE’s Grove City, Pennsylvania facility. Commercial service of the vessels is scheduled for this year.