ZF Transmissions Feature in Aussie- Built Danish Ferry

Incat Tasmania’s latest Australian-built ferry Express 3 utilises four ZF 60000 NR2H transmissions as part of its highly advanced specification.

The 109 metre Express 3 hull 088 fast ferry is the fourth catamaran-hulled Incat design from the Tasmanian shipbuilder, to join Danish operator Molslinjen’s fleet. Based on the successful 112 metre Express 1 & Express 2 Incat-built designs, this entirely-new generation of fast ferry has 610 metres of truck space.

Power comes from four 9,100 kW engines mated to a quadrant of ZF 60000 NR2H transmissions, driving four Wartsila Lips LJX 1500SR waterjets, to a top speed of 43 knots with 600 tonnes of deadweight. ZF’s high-performance 60000 NR2H transmission utilises a robust lightweight seawater-proof aluminium casing, capable of withstanding high loads under extreme operating conditions.

Been redesigned to be smaller, smarter and more efficient both mechanically and operationally, resulting in a weight saving of just over 100 tonnes.Express 3 is capable of carrying up to 1000 passengers and crew, together with 411 cars or up to 227 cars with. In the Express 3 the four ZF transmissions feature reduction ratios optimised for jet shaft speed and this, together with the revised mechanical and structural layout of the new design, combine to deliver vastly improved speed and fuel consumption.

ZF Services Australia’s long association with the Incat Tasmania team has also seen a new order placed for another four ZF 60000 NR2H transmissions for hull 089, for Virtu Ferries of Malta. The ZF Marine range of transmissions are the best in class for fast passenger ferries due to their compact, lightweight design that offer a wide selection of reduction ratios to suit various propulsion requirements. ZF Marine’s wide product portfolio is the ideal choice for all types of vessels including motor-yachts, super-yachts, offshore supply vessels, government vessels and bulk ship carriers.

∑ Incat Tasmania’s newest fast ferry utilises four ZF 60000 NR2H transmissions.

∑ Latest fast ferry has been redesigned to be smaller, smarter and more efficient both mechanically and operationally.

∑ ZF Services Australia’s long association with the Incat Tasmania team has also seen a new order placed for another four ZF 60000 NR2H transmissions.

For further information on ZF Services Australia, please visit www.zf.com/au

This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 39  No.5 Issue last October 31, 2017.