New Marine Turbine For Fast Ferries From Solar Turbines

One of the world's leading producers of industrial gas turbines, Solar Turbines Inc., San Diego, a subsidiary of Caterpillar, Inc., has introduced a marinized version of its 5 MW (6,500 hp) Centaur Taurus engine for propulsion application on fast ferry boats of 40 meters (130 feet) or more in length. The gas turbines's compact size, light weigh, virtual absence of vibration, fuel flexibility, high reliability, and very clean exhaust emissions are major advantages for operators of new fast ferries.

Designed as model T6502(M), Solar's marinized Centaur Taurus industrial turbine, the most powerful turbine of Solar's Centaur turbine family, is a high-efficiency simple-cycle two-shaft engine with a two-stage free power turbine for variable-speed operation. It can drive wateijets, propellers or electrical generators. Solar can provide the Centaur Taurus gas turbine with a conventional speed-reducing gearbox either with or without a reverse gear, or with an epicyclic gearbox.

The T6502(M) gas turbine has corrosion-resistant coatings throughout its 12-stage air compressor to enhance durability in marine duty.

For free literature detailing the newly marinized Centaur Taurus gas turbine, Circle 77 on Reader Service C a r d

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.