New Water Taxis Get Scania Power

Scania announced a deal with Potomac Riverboat Company, part of the Entertainment Cruises family, which will take delivery of eight DI13-liter engines in 2017 to power its high-speed, low-wake water taxis as part of The Wharf neighborhood in Washington D.C. 

The 88-foot vessels will carry 149 passengers and will be built by Louisiana-based Metal Shark, to specifications from BMT Designers and Planners.

Potomac Riverboat Company and Entertainment Cruises run a combined fleet of 38 boats in a wide range of cities, including New York, Chicago and Boston, offering dining cruises, sightseeing tours, private charters and water taxi services.

“We chose Scania USA to provide the main propulsion package for the new water taxis for a variety of reasons," said Bob Lawler, Entertainment Cruises VP Marine Operations. "Scania is able to meet our size, horsepower and weight requirements in a very fuel efficient and affordable package, which combined with Scania’s outstanding customer service we feel we have the perfect partner for this project.”

“Scania’s reputation for powerful and efficient engines in the industry and our dedication to providing naval architects, ship builders and vessel operators with outstanding support, contributed to our selection as the sole engine provider on this very prestigious project in our nation’s capital," said Alberto Alcalá, Scania’s Sales Manager for marine engines. "Helping Potomac Riverboat Company serve the transportation needs of our nation’s capital is an honor.”

Scania engines are available in EPA tier 3 ratings up to 900 hp, and we have also launched a range of IMO tier 3 engines for Canada