Case Study: Western Ferries achieves greener, more efficient ferry operations with Cummins marine engines

UK Shipyard Returns to New Ship Construction

Western Ferries, a UK operator running a four-vessel fleet on the Firth of Clyde, needed to replace two aging ferries with new vessels that would preserve the proven performance of its newer ships while meeting updated rules, technology expectations, and environmental requirements. The company worked with Cummins and selected its QSK19 Marine engine for the propulsion package.

Cummins supplied two IMO- and EU-compliant QSK19-M diesel engines, each producing 600 HP (447 kW) at 1800 RPM, to power the ferries’ Rolls-Royce Aquamaster azimuthing thrusters. The matched hull-and-power design delivered efficient operation, improved “green” credentials, and a normal service speed of 11.5 knots at 85% MCR, with the new ferries delivered from Cammell Laird in summer 2013.

Western Ferries

Graeme J Fletcher

Technical Director