Rolls-Royce delivers first EPA Tier 4 propulsion to three new ferries

Rolls-Royce secured an order for delivering its first EPA Tier 4-compliant propulsion systems from its MTU brand to WETA (Water Emergency Transportation Authority), for installation in three brand-new catamaran ferries.

The first of the three high-speed ferries is expected to enter service on the San Francisco Bay in late 2018.

    “Our goal is to operate a ferry service that is sustainable, cost-efficient and eco-friendly,” said Nina Rannells, WETA Executive Director. “The MTU Tier 4 engines will play a critical role in WETA’s expansion of sustainable and reliable ferry service on the San Francisco Bay.”

Specifically, MTU is to supply in total six 16V 4000 units, six MTU-built SCR systems and six ZF gearboxes. All three vessels will also be equipped with MTU BlueVision ship automation.

As explained, since the ferries are destined for service in the Bay of San Francisco, which is subject to special environmental protection, the engines that propel them will be subject to the EPA Tier 4 emissions standard which came into force in the US on 1 January 2016. This demands substantially lower nitrous oxide, particulate and hydrocarbon emissions compared with the previous emissions stage.

Scheduled for delivery to WETA at the end of this year is MTU’s propulsion system as launched in 2016, which integrates Series 4000 diesel engines with SCR systems for exhaust gas after-treatment for compliance with the IMO III and EPA Tier 4 emissions standards.

Advances in turbocharging, internal combustion and fuel injection, combined with the new SCR system, have facilitated a 75% reduction in nitrous-oxide emissions compared to IMO II and a 65% reduction in particulates compared to EPA Tier 3. There is no need for an additional diesel particulate filter, and fuel consumption is up to 5% lower than on the predecessor engine. Depending on the number of cylinders, power output ranges from 1,380 to 3,220 kW.