Kongsberg Maritime to upgrade propulsion systems on five ro-ro passenger ferries

Kongsberg Maritime has won a contract to upgrade the propulsion systems on five ro-ro passenger ferries for Italian operator Moby. The vessel upgrades are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 30,000 metric tons per year.

Moby operates a fleet of ro-ro passenger ferries in the western Mediterranean, including routes between the Italian mainland, Sicily and Sardinia. Three of the ships, the Moby Vinci, the Sharden and the Moby Aki, are to receive a Promas Lite propulsion system, which combines rudder and propeller into one propulsion unit. Two further ships, the Moby Wonder and the Moby Tommy, will each receive re-bladed controllable pitch Kongsberg Kamewa propellers as part of their upgrade.

The Promas propulsion system integrates the controllable pitch propeller, hub cap, bulb and rudder into one propulsive unit, increasing efficiency and maneuverability and offering significant fuel savings without power losses.

Achille Onorato, CEO of Moby, said, “This latest investment into upgrading our fleet demonstrates our continuing commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our operations and improving the overall service we can offer customers. By carrying out a program of relatively simple upgrades to the propulsion systems, we can reduce our CO₂ emissions by more than 30,000 metric tons per year.

“We’re pleased to be working with Kongsberg Maritime again on this latest project, as we draw on their expertise in efficient propeller design to transform our operations. We’re investing in new ships and new routes, innovative services and distribution as well as pricing strategies, a strict, quality-oriented hiring policy and uncompromising attention to safety and the environment.”

Jouni Raatikainen, executive vice president of global customer support at Kongsberg Maritime, said, “This latest upgrade will deliver significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions for the five ships, and we’re delighted that Moby has again selected Kongsberg to provide an upgrade solution that supports our common goal to pursue sustainability, reduced fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

“The Promas Lite propulsion system offers a relatively quick upgrade solution, which delivers efficiency savings and rapid return on investment. Our team at the Kongsberg Hydrodynamic Research Centre, in Sweden, has worked closely with Moby to design propellers that match the operational profile of each individual ship.”

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