Cummins QSK95 Propulsion for Ferry Newbuild
(Image: Cummins)
(Image: Cummins)
(Image: Cummins)
(Image: Cummins)
Azam Marine’s next newbuild, Kilimanjaro VII, will be the first passenger ferry powered by QSK95 propulsion engines from engine manufacturer Cummins.
Two QSK95 propulsion engines will provide main propulsion power to the new Incat Crowther designed fast catamaran, which will be built by Australian shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine in Tasmania.
Cummins said its newest and most powerful engine for the marine market, the QSK95, offers a power output previously exclusive to medium-speed marine engines with power ratings from 3,200 hp to 4,200 hp for propulsion, auxiliary, generator and diesel electric applications.
According to the manufacturer, the QSK95 offers a more compact installation with exceptional fuel efficiency at a lower capital cost. In addition, Cummins said extended service and more cost-effective rebuilds add a further economic advantage.
“This product fully leverages Cummins unique experience with our in-house technologies such as turbo chargers, filtration and electronics delivering increased power and reliability, fast transient response and simple serviceability,” said Jim Schacht, Executive Director – Cummins Global Marine Business. “The QSK95 is a perfect fit for highly sophisticated vessels such as Kilimanjaro VII.”
“Cummins has supported us well in the past, leading us to select the QSK95 for our newest and largest addition to the fleet,” said Abubakar Aziz Salim, Managing Director – Azam Marine, “The unique engine design, high power density and available continuous-use power has allowed us to use a vessel design we are familiar with but expand its capability to carry more passengers.”
Azam Marine and Coastal Fast Ferries operate passenger ferries between the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and mainland Tanzania. The 45-meter Kilimanjaro VII will be the largest of the seven vessels in the fleet.
Using the QSK95 will allow Kilimanjaro VII to carry more passengers while maintaining similar top speeds as its smaller sister ship, the Kilimanjaro VI. The new vessel will utilize water jet propulsion to reach its target top speed of 32 knots. Kilimanjaro VII will carry more than 500 passengers in total with four levels of comfort from Economy Class to Royal Class. Providing house load electrical power will be a pair of Cummins 6C-C Power marine generator sets producing 126 kWe power each.
“We are constantly improving the reliability, maintainability and availability of our vessel designs to provide more valuable assets for our clients with less maintenance cost and higher uptime,” Daniel Mace, Technical Manager – Incat Crowther. “Cummins provides reliable and durable propulsion power to support this further evolution of the design. They are easy to do business with due to their responsive and knowledgeable staff, providing all the technical information we need when we need it.”
