Rolls-Royce Supplies mtu Emergency Power Generators for Baleària’s Electric Ferries

Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division is supplying mtu emergency power generators for two fully electric fast ferries operated by the Spanish shipping company Baleària. The vessels are scheduled to enter service in 2027 on the 18-nautical-mile route between Tarifa, Spain, and Tangier, Morocco, establishing the first fully electric maritime “green corridor” between Europe and Africa.

Each ferry will be equipped with four mtu 20V4000M35S emergency power generators, bringing the total to eight units across both vessels. Each generator delivers 2,840 kW, providing a combined backup output exceeding 11,000 kW. The systems are designed to ensure reliable power availability in scenarios where shore charging of the ferries’ onboard battery systems cannot be carried out as planned.

Beyond supplying auxiliary electrical power, the mtu emergency generators are capable of securing the ferries’ entire propulsion system in critical situations. This expanded role distinguishes them from conventional emergency power systems and is intended to enhance operational safety and redundancy in fully electric vessel operation.

The generators are being supplied on behalf of Spanish shipyard Astilleros Armon, which is responsible for construction of the two identical catamaran ferries. The vessels are designed to reach speeds of up to 26 knots and accommodate up to 804 passengers and 225 vehicles, combining high transport capacity with zero-emission operation during normal service.

The project brings together shipping companies, shipyards, port authorities, energy suppliers and technology providers, and is regarded as a milestone in the development of CO₂-neutral maritime transport. Delivery of the mtu emergency power generators is scheduled for the first half of 2026, ahead of the ferries’ planned entry into regular operation the following year.

Thanks to their high power density, compact dimensions and low weight, mtu engines are well suited for high-speed ferry applications, where space and weight constraints are critical. The integration of these emergency power systems supports Baleària’s goal of combining emission-free propulsion with high levels of operational reliability on an international route.

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