Benchijigua Express with a 32,800 kW mtu engine

• World’s largest diesel-powered trimaran has been in service since May
• Four 20V 8000 mtu engines provide an output of 32,800 kW
• Four on-board generators provide 12V 2000
• Room for 1,360 passengers and 360 cars

The world’s largest diesel-powered trimaran has been in service since the start of May. The 126.7 meter fast ferry Benchijigua Express from the Spanish company Fred Olsen links the three Canary Islands of Tenerife, La Gomera and La Palma. Its propulsion is handled by the most modern engines in its class: four mtu 20V 8000 diesel engines. They drive two controllable KaMeWa waterjets and one waterjet as a booster with a total output of 32,800 kW and accelerate the fully laden trimaran to a traveling speed of 40.5 knots. MTU Friedrichshafen also supplied the five on-board generators, four of which have a 12V 2000 engine (540 kW), and the remaining one a series 60 engine (250 kW).

With the new ferry, the operating company Fred Olsen has expanded its transport capacity considerably in view of the increased passenger and vehicle volumes in this region. In comparison with the fast ferries previously deployed in the area by Fred Olsen, the Benchijigua Express is approximately a third longer with space for almost twice as many passengers – around 1,290. Furthermore, up to 340 cars or alternatively trucks and buses can be loaded on 450 meters of cargo area alongside 120 cars.

The engines provide a high continuous output and the ferry really puts them through their paces. The ferry travels nonstop between the three islands, seven days a week. This results in high requirements not only in terms of the economic efficiency, but also in terms of the stability and reliability of the engines.

Despite its size, the light but stable aluminum design of the hull in conjunction with the high-performance yet fuel-efficient mtu engines ensures that the vessel runs economically. Bow thrusters enable safe maneuvering into ferry terminals. The central hull is flanked by an additional hull on either side, ensuring greater comfort for the passengers, even on heavy seas. The Benchijigua Express was built in the Australian shipyard Austal Ships, Perth, one of the leaders in the construction of large aluminum ferries.