Rolls-Royce has successfully completed sea trials of its first S4 series of waterjets, designed to give higher efficiency at lower speeds.
The trials took place aboard the recently upgraded 'Tangalooma Jet', a 350 passenger-carrying high-speed catamaran. The ferry takes passengers to and from the Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort on Moreton Island, about 75 nautical miles off the coast of Brisbane, Australia.
The S4 next generation waterjet was introduced to the market at the SMM maritime exhibition in September this year, and is developed specifically to meet the reduced speed requirements of many high-speed ferry operators.
Previously, high-speed ferries were designed for service speeds of 45 knots or more but due to increasing fuel costs operators are opting for waterjets optimised for lower speed and fuel consumption whilst improving vessel performance.
Results of the trials indicated a three per cent increase in thrust when compared to the previously installed waterjets, said Rolls-Royce, with improvements also observed in the vessel's manoeuvring, noise and vibration, and passenger comfort levels, as well as significant fuel cost savings.
