Engines installed in next-generation Austal trimaran

Austal's next-generation 102 m next generation high speed trimaran is moving steadily towards its February 2010 completion at the company's Western Australian shipyard.

Its unique three-engine layout has been installed ahead of the vessel's launch next month. The patentedengine layout is based on three MTU 20V 8000 M71L diesel engines each producing 9,100kW at less than 1,200 rpm and offering the world's highest power-to-weight ratio in their power range.Combined with the trimaran's hydrodynamic hull form, they deliver fuel efficiency across a range of operating conditions.

Head of Austal Design, Dr Tony Armstrong, says the three-engine arrangement, along with Austal's trimaran technology, provides significant benefits.

"A three-engine layout saves weight over the traditional four-engine layout, delivering improvements to fuel consumption and daily running costs," he explains,

"Compared to other high speed craft with the same installed power, Austal's next generation trimaran allows greater speed, and achieves lower fuel consumption when operating at the same speeds."

Austal's latest trimaran ferry builds on the shipbuilder's landmark trimaran "Benchijigua Express", delivered to Spanish operator Fred Olsen S.A. in 2005. Since delivery, "Benchijigua Express" has demonstrated the benefits of Austal's trimaran technology in commercial operation.

"Along with superior passenger comfort when operating in the same sea conditions, the trimaran hull form can operate at a higher wave height while maintaining a higher speed in waves. The extent of waves created behind the vessel is also reduced which may impact on the environment," Dr Armstrong said.

Others to see the benefits of Austal's trimaran technology include the U.S. Navy, for which Austal is currently building two 127 m trimaran LCS-2 Littoral Combat Ships.

Austal's new 102 m trimaran has a maximum deadweight of 700 tonnes, a speed of up to 39 knots and the capacity for 1,165 passengers and 245 cars.

It is currently available for purchase.