Home News&Events The mtu 4000 series engines provide power for the new California ferry. The MTU 4000 series engines provide power for the new California ferry.
The MTU 4000 series engines provide power for the new California ferry.
2025-09-05
Rolls-Royce's power systems have been selected by Catalina Express, based in the Port of San Pedro, California, to provide the propulsion systems for its new high-capacity ferry. Once completed, this ferry, capable of carrying 500 passengers, will become the largest vessel in the Catalina Express fleet, powered by four 12-cylinder MTU 4000 Series M65L engines, with a total output of over 7463 kilowatts (10,000 brake horsepower).
The new ferry is an important component of the "LA MER Project" at the Port of Los Angeles, funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) with a total budget of $31 million. Through this project, Catalina Express received a $15 million subsidy and invested an additional $15 million. Currently, the Port of Los Angeles is actively promoting the construction of a "zero-emission port," and the core objective of the LA MER Project is to explore emission reduction pathways to provide practical support for this vision.This 42-meter-long new ferry can reach a maximum speed of 37 knots and will replace three aging vessels of Catalina Express, enhancing environmental performance while maintaining passenger capacity. This vessel will serve as a new generation leader in the fleet, fully demonstrating the company's strong commitment to sustainable operations.
The mtu 4000 series M65L engine from Rolls-Royce Power Systems is widely recognized for its outstanding reliability, operational efficiency, low noise performance, and environmental compliance. It is equipped with advanced emission control technologies that effectively reduce nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions, helping clients achieve their environmental goals in maritime operations.Certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4, these engines offer excellent emission performance compared to competing products. Following the acquisition of certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to comply with its regulations for commercial harbor vessels, and upon passing safety acceptance by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), they will be equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system to further enhance their environmental capabilities.
Catalina Express was established in 1981, evolving from an operator with only one 60-passenger ferry to a professional fleet with numerous vessels today, making it the leading provider of marine transportation services from California to Santa Catalina Island. Currently, the majority of the company's fleet is equipped with mtu engines. Over the past 40 years, Catalina Express has transported over 33 million passengers, operating year-round with up to 30 round trips daily from the three main local ports of San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. The newly constructed ferry will be homeported at the company's San Pedro terminal, further optimizing route services.
The new vessel was designed by Incat Crowther in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA, and built by Marine Group Boat Works in Chula Vista, California. The marine engine will be deeply integrated with the MTU monitoring and control system and Hamilton brand water jet thrusters to ensure efficient operation. MSHS Pacific Power Group in Kent, Washington, will serve as the distribution partner for the project and will be responsible for the custom packaging, installation and commissioning of the propulsion system. The MTU engine is scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2025, and the entire vessel is expected to be completed and put into service by the end of 2026.
Loro Power Systems will establish a long-term collaboration with MSHS Pacific Power Group to provide comprehensive operation and maintenance support services throughout the entire lifecycle of the engine. This ongoing service commitment will ensure that maritime clients, such as Catalina Express, enjoy a reliable and worry-free operational experience after the installation and commissioning of the engines, thereby deepening the long-term stable customer partnership between both parties.
The LA MER project is part of the California Climate Investment Program, a statewide initiative that invests billions of dollars in cap-in transaction funds to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost local economies, improve public health and ecology, and focus on the environmental improvement needs of disadvantaged communities.
We, Guangzhou TBG Energy Technology Co., Ltd, As a MTU distributor, mtu generator dealers,our core focus is to precisely connect supply and demand and provide professional support across the entire lifecycle value of their high-end power equipment. This includes leveraging MTU's global supply chain to ensure efficient and rapid supply of genuine parts (including remanufactured parts), and providing installation and commissioning services in strict compliance with brand standards. This focus is particularly on key applications such as ships (including yachts and warships), data centers, and oil and gas fields. We ensure that our engines (such as the MTU 2000/4000series) meet stringent emissions requirements like IMO III and EU Stage V, and are compatible with sustainable fuels like HVO. Furthermore, we focus on local service, establishing an MTU-certified technical team to provide comprehensive after-sales services, including preventative maintenance, fault diagnosis, and emergency repairs. This service utilizes a digital monitoring system to achieve predictive operations and maintenance. We also customize long-term service agreements for customers to manage costs. Furthermore, we provide equipment operation training and technical documentation support for clients across various industries, including data center users like Huawei and maritime operators. Ultimately, by ensuring high equipment availability and extending its lifecycle, we safeguard MTU's brand value and its market competitiveness.



