MTU engines propel double-ended ferries in Turkey

Rolls-Royce Power Systems has just won an order for six MTU diesel engines which will be used to propel three double-ended ferries in Turkey. The ferries are being built by Turkey's Ceksan Shipyard and will be deployed by operator Izmir Metropolitan Municipality to power car and passenger ferries serving the Gulf of Izmir in western Turkey.

The MTU 16V 4000 M54 engines each deliver 1685 kilowatts. For both shipyard and operator, this is a 'first' with MTU engines.

On double-ended ferries, an engine is installed both at the bow and the stern. That means it is no problem for the symmetrically built vessels to change travel direction after loading and unloading.

With just one engine switched on, the ferries are to reach speeds of up to 14 knots. The first two units will be shipped to Turkey in November 2014, and the remaining four in 2015. The engines are scheduled to go into service in 2015 and 2016