Two New Fast-Ferries for ShinNihonkai Akashia and Hamanasu

The two newest additions to ShinNihonkai Ferry Company’s fleet, The Largest and Fastest RoPax Ferries in Japan
Akashia and Hamanasu, were delivered by Japanese shipbuilder
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on July 1, 2004, in Nagasaki. With
cruising speed up to 31.5 knots and measuring 224.5 meters,
these two RoPax ferries are the largest and fastest in Japan.
They are also the first vessels in the world to take advantage
of ABB’s contra-rotating CRP Azipod® propulsion system.

CRP Azipod® Propulsion

ABB Scope of Supply to each:
Q
1 x 3,450 kVA, 6.6 kV Main Generator
Q
3 x 14,353 kVA, 6.6 kV Main Generators
Q
3 x Neutral Point Cubicles
Q
3 x Voltage Regulator Cubicles
Q
1 x 6.6 kV Main Switchboard
Q
2 x Propulsion Transformers
Q
1 x Excitation Transformer
Q
1 x Propulsion Converter
Q
1 x 17.6 MW CRP Azipod® Propulsion System
Q
2 x Thuster Motors
Q
2 x Distribution Transformers
Q
2 x Propulsion Transformer Pre-magnetizing Device
Q
2 x UPS
Q
1 x CRP Propulsion Control System

A Global Technology Partner to the Marine Industry

ABB Marine is the leading supplier of electric power and propulsion systems.
We are a highly competent maritime organization with over half a century of experience.
Through our global presence, we provide reliable, safe and environmentally-friendly solutions
and qualified services to ship owners, operators and yards - reducing operational costs and World´s first vessels with CRP Azipod® propulsion
ensuring optimum vessel lifecycle.
Owned by ShinNihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd., Japan

Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki Shipyard

www.abb.com/marine ABB Delivery to Each:

Q
17.6 MW CRP Azipod® Propulsion
Center of Excellence Center of Excellence
Sundheim-Madison 4-05

Cruise & Ferry Vessels: Oil & Gas Related Vessels: Q Electric Power System
ABB Oy ABB AS
Marine Marine and Turbocharging Q Propulsion Control System
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Akashia and Hamanasu

Large, Fast, Ultra-efficient Ferries… …Providing a Fuel Savings of Over 20%

Constructed in Nagasaki by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, ShinNihonkai’s Akashia In mid-2004, the new Akashia and Hamanasu high-speed ferries took over the 573
and Hamanasu are the largest and fastest ferries ever built in Japan. These two nautical mile (1,061 km) Maiduru - Otaru route, replacing the older, twin-shaft driven
new 35,000 grt RoPax ferries can reach speeds of 31.5 knots, measure 224.5 m. fast-ferries Suzuran and Suisen. The journey takes around 24 hours each way,
in length and have accommodations for 820 passengers, 158 trucks and 66 including 20-21 hours of travel time and 3-4 hours of loading and unloading.
passenger cars. The total propulsion power of each vessel is 42 MW.
As the schedule for the new vessels was the same as for the old vessels, the
The high-speed, high-power requirements of these vessels led MHI to consider opportunity for a full-scale comparison of fuel economy was presented. After
alternative propulsion methods. After intensive research, a single-skeg solution with three months of operation with Akashia and Hamanasu, the owners reported that
®
CRP Azipod propulsion was selected, featuring an azimuthing 17.6 MW Azipod ®
the new ferries equipped with CRP Azipod® consumed 20% less fuel than the
unit installed in a contra-rotating mode aft of the main propeller. In doing so, shaftline ships - while providing a 15% increase in transportation capacity. Further
MHI and ShinNihonkai have broken the decades-long deadlock in the marine cost reductions are anticipated through operating costs related to maintenance and
industry’s attempt to seize the full benefits of contra-rotating propulsion. spare parts of the diesel engines.

There is more to Japan’s largest and fastest RoPax ferries than meets the eye. The highest Remarkable hydrodynamic efficiency
propulsion efficiency available and power demands far lower than comparable vessels The Akashia and Hamanasu ferries experience a remarkable hydrodynamic
efficiency gain of 10-15% as compared to vessels with conventional
are two distinguishing characteristics that set Akashia and Hamanasu apart from all
twin-shaft arrangements. This ultra-high propulsion efficiency is
other vessels of their kind. They are, in fact, the first commercial vessels in the world achieved by combining two separate propulsion systems in a
single-shaft configuration; a steerable azimuthing podded
to feature ABB´s CRP Azipod® contra-rotating podded propulsion system.
propulsion unit installed in a contra-rotating mode, aligned
directly downstream of a mechanically driven main
propeller but with no physical connection.

ShinNihonkai Ferries - Generic Machinery Arrangement Smooth sailing on the Sea of Japan
For passengers onboard the Akashia and Hamanasu
3.1 kV
6.6 kV ferries, travel has proven a tranquil experience.
Drive Unit
Although traveling at speeds of over 30 knots,
12V46C 12600 kW
the level of noise and vibration onboard is
12V46C 12600 kW hardly noticeable.

2700 kW
From the hydrodynamic single-skeg hull to the
CRP Azipod®
submerged, podded CRP Azipod® propulsion
17.6 MW 12V46C 12600 kW
system, these vessels are designed for smooth
12V46C 12600 kW sailing. Because power is shared between
two propellers, the size of each propeller
can be reduced, resulting in less noise
and turbulence.
3.1 kV
6.6 kV
Drive Unit
The Azipod® unit also serves as a rudder,
smoothing out flow and increasing efficiency.
This improves steerability, especially at low
speeds, facilitating harbor maneuverability
and reducing docking time.