Sailing with the Spirit of Tasmania
The relationship between Cornell Diesel Systems and the Spirit of Tasmania has been long-standing. Before evolving to their current vessels, Spirit of Tasmania I & II, CDS built necessary tooling and educated staff on repairs required to various fuel system components to keep the ships sailing. We continued this with the current vessel’s fuel system components and hope to into the future.The constant investment and education that the Cornell team provides allow us to remain the preferred repairer today.
The Spirit of Tasmania I and II, as currently named, was built in 1998 by Kvaerner Masa-Yards at Turku New Shipyard in southwest Finland. Known initially as Superfast III and Superfast IV, TT-Line took over the new ships in 2002.
The ships weigh a staggering 28,000 tonnes, measuring 194.3 meters. To put things into perspective, that’s 20 meters longer than the inside of the MCG! The current Spirit of Tasmania ships have a gross tonnage of around 29.000. Each vessel has a capacity of 1400 passengers, 750 berths and 500 cars. The main propulsion engines on the current Spirit of Tasmania vessels are (4) x Sulzer 16ZA40S with (3) x Wartsila 9L20 generator engines. Each main engine can create 11,520 kilowatts or 15,448 horsepower @ approximately 550 RPMs. With all (4) main engines running, the ship has the capability of over 40,000 kilowatts. In 2024, the Spirit of Tasmania IV and V will mark the beginning of a new era. These vessels will each have (4) Wartsila 9-cylinder dual fuel engines producing 10,305 kilowatts, each with twin variable pitch propellers. The recent increase in average speed to 26 knots may not seem like a lot, but little things make a big difference in the result.
The Spirit of Tasmania, with its massive hull, relies on powerful engines to navigate the rough conditions of the Bass Strait. These engines operate on compression ignition, where compressed air within the cylinders ignites the fuel spontaneously, driving the pistons and generating the necessary power to propel the vessel forward. The fuel efficiency of the Spirit of Tasmania’s engines is noteworthy, especially considering the vast distances it covers. Breakdowns occurring at sea are managed by ship engineers and technicians who closely monitor the condition of pumps and injectors, conducting thorough inspections to detect signs of wear, leaks, or malfunctions. Through prioritising regular maintenance, ships can rely on their mechanical pumps and injectors to withstand the challenges of long journeys, adverse weather conditions, and the demands of maritime exploration.
The design of these engines emphasises fuel optimisation, enabling the vessel to operate efficiently and reducing the frequency of refuelling. This fuel efficiency contributes to cost savings and minimises the environmental impact of the ship’s operations. Furthermore, injectors also play a vital role in the smooth operation of engines on board the Spirit of Tasmania. Proper maintenance of injectors is crucial to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Regular inspection and cleaning prevent clogging and maintain the desired fuel spray pattern. The ship’s maintenance teams conduct routine checks to identify wear, leaks, or injector blockages. They calibrate them periodically to ensure accurate fuel delivery and monitor injection pressure to meet the engine’s requirements. The vessel ensures reliable and efficient engine performance by prioritising injector maintenance, ultimately enhancing passengers’ seamless and safe boarding experience.
To ensure reliable and continuous operation, the various parts of the ship require regular maintenance. Routine checks of fuel filters, oil levels, cooling systems, and scheduled oil changes are essential to keep the machinery in optimal condition. Specialised marine-specific components, such as water-cooled exhaust systems and seawater pumps, also need inspection and maintenance to prevent corrosion and maintain reliable performance.
The engines of the Spirit of Tasmania face challenges in the demanding marine environment. Stringent measures are put in place to protect against corrosion due to exposure to saltwater. Cooling systems on the vessel prevent overheating, particularly during peak operating conditions. Maintaining fuel quality is crucial to avoid impurities and contaminants affecting engine efficiency and performance.
Whether the vessel has been designed to operate in fresh or saltwater environments, extra precautions are taken to safeguard the engines from saltwater corrosion. Regular maintenance, including sacrificial anodes and protective coatings, ensures the longevity and reliability of the ship.
The Spirit of Tasmania is an example and a testament to the efficiency and reliability of high-performance engines in marine transportation. On average, marine vessels powered by such engines achieve fuel efficiency, resulting in extended operating ranges and reduced fuel costs for operators.
Diesel fuel pumps and injectors are crucial in powering ships through vast oceans. Their contributions to propulsion, fuel efficiency, and reliability are indispensable for maritime adventures. By efficiently circulating fluids, facilitating controlled combustion, and optimising fuel consumption, these systems ensure ships can navigate long distances, minimise environmental impact, and uphold safety standards. With modern common rail fuel systems, vessels continue to push boundaries and embark on new horizons. The unwavering commitment to the excellence and advancement of fuel pumps and injectors keeps maritime adventures afloat, propelling vessels toward a future of sustainable and efficient exploration.
#spiritoftasmania, #spiritedtraveller, #cornell, #diesel, #wartsila, #engineering, #efficiency, #marinevessel, #environmental
