RK280 Engines Selected by Hawaii Superferry. Start of Construction at Austal USA Commemorated.
Hawaii Superferry has announced agreement with Austal Ltd to commence construction of the first of two new roll-on roll-off ferries. The vessels will form the basis of the first high-speed vehicle ferry service for Hawaii and will use Austal’s 105-metre catamaran technology. When completed at Austal’s Mobile Alabama facility they will be the largest aluminium ships ever constructed in the USA.
Four MAN B&W Diesel Ltd 20 cylinder RK280’s have been chosen to power each vessel, providing a total installed capacity of almost 43,000 BHP. The engines will be built at MAN’s Stockport plant in the UK and are scheduled for delivery during 2005. The requirement for low fuel consumption, reliability and high power output without sacrificing accessibility for routine maintenance were all factors considered during Hawaii Superferry’s extensive evaluation process. The RK280 satisfies these requirements and provides class leading efficiency.

Richard Van Dam, Vice President of Sales for MAN B&W Diesel Inc “We are delighted to have Hawaii Superferry and Austal USA as the launch customers for our new generation of RK280 engines. The 20 Cylinder RK280 is the most powerful and efficient 1000 rpm engine ever built and is designed to meet rigorous new EPA 2007 and IMO emissions standards.”
When the ship enters service in 2006 it will provide a daily non-stop service between the islands of Hawai’i, Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Superferry’s hub in Honolulu on the Island of Oahu.
Terry White, Hawaii Superferry’s COO stated “Hawaii Superferry chose the RK280 after an extensive 6 month evaluation effort and are as pleased with MAN B&W’s service and support programs as with the engine itself.”
 

A blessing ceremony attended by approximately 50 dignitaries and the Austal USA workforce was held on 3rd June in Austals USA Alabama facility by a Hawaiian Kahu (priest) Kauwila Clark to mark the commencement of construction. At the ceremony Mr Charles Foulkes Senior Vice President of MAN B&W Diesel Ltd’s High Speed Business unit stated that  “ MBD were proud to be part of this important sea transport initiative which will bring the first roll-on / roll-off inter-Island ferry services to Hawaii and increase choice for islanders and visitors alike. We look forward to the vessels successful introduction into service”.
Hawaii Superferry is a Honolulu-based company led by veteran airline, maritime, and entrepreneurial executives whose mission is to connect people and commerce in Hawaii economically and comfortably.
The company is developing an efficient, environmentally friendly state-of-the-art, roll-on/roll-off ferry service for passengers and vehicles with daily non-stop service between Honolulu and the islands of Maui, Kaua‘i and the Big Island.  Prices are expected to be approximately half the price of flying, with planned service starting in 2006.

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