Back-up engines for new ferry

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Back-up engines for new ferry 21/3/14

The new Stornoway ferry is specially designed to have next to none disruptions due to mechanical breakdowns.

Three back-up engines aim to keep the ship going on her regular timetable and speed even if one of her two main engines breaks down.

Such a set-up is a huge advantage over the present MV Isle of Lewis which cannot legally sail unless it has two fully operating main engines.

Any one of the MV Loch Seaforth’s three generators - normally used for making electricity for onboard use - can be used to drive a propeller through a propulsion unit and separate input into the gearboxes.

This bypass system satisfies strict UK maritime safety rules and may also be used to stop an engine for regular maintenance at sea or even to allow for cleaning or painting.

However, only one propulsion unit can be run at any time so at least one main engine has to be running normally.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), which will lease the vessel to the ferry operator said that the ship can reach about 15 knots with just one main engine.

Firing up one of the propulsion units can add at least another four knots taking her to full speed.