New Zealand’s largest rail transport operator, KiwiRail, has selected 32/44CR engines from MAN Energy Solutions to generate power onboard its new hybrid-electric fleet arriving from 2025.
The new ferries will move people and freight between New Zealand’s two main islands and are part of the Inter-island Resilient Connection (iReX) programme. iReX is a NZD 1.45bn investment which will see KiwiRail’s two new, rail-enabled ferries coming into service in 2025 and 2026, and the construction of new terminal precincts in Waitohi Picton and Kaiwharawhara Wellington.
iReX Ships Programme Manager Massimo Soprano said: “The MAN 32/44CR four-stroke engine has proven itself over approximately 3 million hours of operating experience. Manufactured in Germany, these engines are highly efficient and will support KiwiRail’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
The new ferries, which are being built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea, will be more efficient and support KiwiRail’s goal to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 and be carbon neutral by 2050.
Elvis Ettenhofer, Head of Marine Four-stroke Asia Pacific, said: “I’m very happy to see [the 32/44CR engine] chosen for a project of national significance to New Zealanders. These engines feature our common rail injection system, well known for its flexibility, low levels of noise and vibration, and reduced smoke during engine start and operation, which are all important features for passenger ferries.”
