Waterjets and marine jet propulsion

For thirty years, the Hales Trophy for the fastest Atlantic crossing by a commercial passenger vessel has been held by catamarans built by Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania. In fact, three successive world records for the ‘Blue Riband’ crossing have been won by Incat catamarans, and all have been powered by Wärtsilä waterjets.

The largest LNG-fuelled high-speed catamaran

The largest high-speed catamaran operating in the Mediterranean Sea

The world´s fastest high speed ferry to utilize liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel

High-speed RoPax with a compact axial flow jet solution

The USS Independence (LCS 2) entered service in 2010 as the first of a series of initially ten. The vessel design is based on that of a high-speed trimaran and is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots. This innovative combat ship is equipped with Wärtsilä Waterjets.

The USNS Spearhead is the first of the ten Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) supporting the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Army with the intra-theatre manoeuvres of personnel, supplies and equipment. It is equipped with Wärtsilä waterjets and designed to reach 43 knots without payload.

The SAS Amatola, commissioned in 2006, is the first of four South African Valour class frigates. These vessels have a ‘Waterjet and a Refined Propeller’ or WARP propulsion solution with three shaft lines. (photo courtesy of Blohm+Voss GmbH)

The Natchan Rera started service in 2007. Engine power from the vessel is converted to thrust using a newly designed waterjet, the LJX 1500 SRI, from Wärtsilä. The vessel sails at loaded speeds of approximately 40 knots. (photo courtesy of INCAT)

Wärtsilä Jetguard Seals for high speed navy catamaran