Ferries Going LNG Dual Fuel

Caterpillar Marine announced that Spanish shipping company Baleària will convert three of its ferries from diesel to LNG dual fuel using Caterpillar and MaK technology. Caterpillar Marine dealer Finanzauto will perform the engine conversion, with work on the ships scheduled to begin in early 2019.

Ettore Morace, general director of Operations at Baleària, said that the conversion project supports Baleària’s goal to reduce emissions significantly and provide clean transportation. By using MaK DF engines Baleària will be able to virtually eliminate sulfur and particulate matter exhaust emissions, while also cutting down NOx, resulting in even lower CO2 emissions.

The three ferries — the Abel Matutes, Bahama Mama and Martin i Soler — are each currently equipped with two MaK 9 M 43 C main engines apiece. After the conversion, each vessel will incorporate two MaK 9 M 46 DF engines rated 8685 kW. The MaK engines are used in a control pitch propeller application with a gearbox.

Caterpillar will provide its DF-Engine conversion kits and all the required engine modules including an ignition fuel oil module, engine ventilation modules, an exhaust gas ventilation module, GVU ventilation modules and gas valve units with housing.

Included in its planning to expand and renew its fleet, Baleària will also replace the existing main engines on board their high-speed ferry Jaume III with four new Caterpillar 16-cylinder C280 propulsion engines, each rated 5650 kW at 1000 rpm. A similar repower was done back in 2017 on board the sister vessel Jaume II.

Caterpillar Marine has already converted engines for other companies as well. Caterpillar worked with Cat dealer Bolier to perform an engine conversion for the Coral Anthelia from a MaK 6 M 43 C to a MaK 6 M 46 DF engine. An engine conversion was also performed with Caterpillar dealer Pon for the Fure West, converting the MaK 7 M 43 C to an MaK 7 M 46 DF and delivered a gas system.