Boston Harbor Cruises completes fast ferry repower

JUNE 9, 2015 — Boston Harbor Cruises’ Provincetown Fast Ferry, Salacia is officially back at work after being drydocked at Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Somerset, MA, from January through May to undergo an almost $3 million engine refit (see earlier story).

Over the winter Boston Harbor Cruises (BHC) installed four MTU 12V4000M64 engines supplied by Stewart & Stevenson Power Products, LLC.

Following the repower,  the 600 passenger catamaran has become the first vessel operating in Boston Harbor with EPA Tier III certified engines. The repower also saw the ferry fitted with new ZF reduction gears that will transfer engine power to the water jet impellers. As part of the upgrades, the water jets were rebuilt with the assistance of Rolls-Royce technicians from Finland.

The ride control trim tab system, which keeps the vessel running smoothly, was also rebuilt.

Typically found in tug boats, the MTU engines weigh 19,000 pounds each and have a continuous rating that allows them to run at full power without sacrificing engine life.

“It was exciting to be part of the custom installation of the new engines and water jets,” said David Taglieri from Stewart & Stevenson Power Products, LLC. “It was great to work alongside Boston Harbor Cruises and Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding. Together we were able to equip Salacia with the best infrastructure and ultimately provide a better ride.”

Chris Nolan, Principal of Boston Harbor Cruises said, “We were lucky to conduct the Salacia rebuild at Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, where the vessel was originally built 15 years ago. They were instrumental throughout the rebuild and were a great resource for new design planning. It would have been difficult to complete the job elsewhere.”

“We are pleased that Salacia had a great test run and she is officially back in service.” said Alison Nolan, principal and general manager of Boston Harbor Cruises. “The engines are running beautifully. We look forward to the season ahead and are happy we will be able to provide our customers with a faster and more comfortable ride to Provincetown this summer and many summers to come,” she added.