In addition, the development of the high-speed 595 series of engines has helped ensure a prominent position for MTU in the fast ferry sector.
At the end of 1996 MTU launched its 2000 and 4000 Series in partnership with Detroit Diesel Corporation of the USA, with whom it had signed a co-operation agreement in September 1994. Development of the 2000 series took place in Detroit and of the 4000 series in Friedrichshafen.
In 1997 the company developed competitively priced standard generating sets, based on the 2000 and 4000 Series for the supply of standby power.
In 1999 a new marine engine was launched: the "Edition 1500", a 1,107 kW (1,500 HP) engine that is part of the 2000 Series. This new engine has been targeted specifically for use in yachts, and delivers 10 per cent more power than its predecessor.
The Series 8000 is an entirely new development, the guiding principles of which were economy, ease of maintenance and environmental acceptability. It is therefore considered to be particularly appropriate for use in high-speed ferries and freighters, large yachts, cruise liners and military vessels, as well as having land-based applications. Low fuel consumption means a reduction in CO2 emissions compared with competitor's engines, whilst still meeting International Maritime Organisation (IMO) requirements in respect of NoX emissions. At the end of the engine's life, 99 per cent of components could be recycled.
MTU's gas turbines for marine applications (e.g. fast ferries, yachts) are as follows:
2.2 Technical Co-operation
In 1997 MTU entered into a co-operation agreement with the German engine manufacturer SKL Motoren und Systemtechnik Magdeburg, under which SKL is developing gas engines based on MTU designs. The company also has co-operation agreements with Allied Signal and General Electric for the development of gas engines for use in distributed power systems.
