MAN propulsion for high-speed catamaran ferry

The Austal shipyard in Vietnam has ordered four MAN 16V175D-MM marine diesel engines, delivering 2720 kW at 1800 rpm for waterjet propulsion for a high-speed catamaran ferry for the Degage Group.

MAN Energy Solutions is suppling four of its 175D marine diesel engine for a high-speed catamaran ferry being built by Austal for the Degage Group. (Photo: Austal Ltd.)

The 66 m, 574-passenger ferry Apetahi Express is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2023 and will operate between Pape’ete (Tahiti) and Vaitape (Bora Bora) in French Polynesia. The new ferry will have a contracted top speed of 35.8 knots and a range of 360 nautical miles.

“These will be the first MAN engines in our fleet,” said Tuanua Degage, president, Degage Group. “We are very much looking forward to working with MAN Energy Solutions, and in particular the MAN PrimeServ New Zealand team, to ensure the highest levels of engine reliability and economy on this very demanding route.”

MAN Energy Solutions has developed the MAN 175D engine range to supplement and complete its product portfolio in the maritime sector. In three variants of 12-, 16- and 20-cylinder, the engine is available with an output ranging from 1500 to 4400 kW and is optimized for propelling ferries, offshore supply vessels, tugboats and other working vessels

“This is an important milestone for the MAN 175D as it wins the favor of yet another, high-speed ferry application, this time with the Degage Group, an acknowledged leader in commercial maritime transportation and tourism,” said Ben Andres, Head of High-Speed Sales, MAN Energy Solutions. “The 175D has a number of advantages that make it eminently suitable for such a technically demanding application, including its long times-between-overhaul, and its best-in-class fuel consumption.”

MAN PrimeServ, MAN Energy Solutions’ after-sales division, reports that it has already established service competence in the region in Auckland, where its local hub services 175D engines in operation at the New Zealand Navy. The same hub is convenient for maintenance and service support of the newbuilding ferry in Tahiti, MAN said.