Victoria Clipper IV Scheduled For Conversion To AlliedSignal Gas Turbines
Detroit Diesel snags $4 million contract to supply TF40 engines Clipper Navigation Inc. is installing gas turbines in its Victoria Clipper IV, which will reportedly make it the fastest passenger vessel in the western hemisphere with a top speed of 53 mph (45 knots).
The new AlliedSignal gas turbine engines, which will be installed by April 1996, will reduce the Victoria Clipper TV's travel time between Seattle, Wash., and Victoria, B.C., from 2.5 hours to 1.75 hours.
Equally important are the emission and noise benefits that are expected to be gained.
Clipper Navigation Inc. signed a $4 million contract with Detroit Diesel Corp. to fit the Victoria Clipper TV with its TF40 engines. Detroit Diesel Corp. distributes TF40 gas turbines for yachts and commercial marine applications. The new gas turbines will double the Victoria Clipper TV's horsepower from 5,000 to 10,000 hp.
Darrell Bryan, vice president and general manager of Clipper Navigation said, "The new gas turbines in the Victoria Clipper TV will enable us to get passengers to Victoria more quickly, allowing a longer day to experience Victoria." Clipper Navigation Inc. owns and operates four Victoria Clipper twin-hulled, high-speed luxury catamarans.
