Rolls-Royce has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Singapore, to further strengthen its partnership with Majestic Fast Ferry Pte Ltd in enabling clean, energy-efficient sailings for its current fleet of 11 ferries, fitted with mtu propulsion systems.
The event also commemorated the ferry operator’s 100th mtu engine purchased since 2016 from Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia, a subsidiary of the Power Systems division of Rolls-Royce. Majestic Fast Ferry uses mtu Series 2000 engines, with the 100th unit being the 16V 2000 M72 with a power output of 1,440 kW (1,930 bhp).
The MOU was signed by President of Global Markets Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia, Giovanni Spadaro and Managing Director of Majestic Fast Ferry, Max Tan and witnessed by President – Power Systems, Rolls-Royce, Jörg Stratmann and Board Director at Majestic Fast Ferry, Zhang Mao Xin.
The signing of the MOU reaffirms the longstanding ties and joint commitment by both companies to strengthen marine connectivity, whilst looking into alternative fuel sources to enable a greener maritime industry, according to the Power Systems strategy.
“In a world where challenges are complex and interconnected and resources limited, collaboration becomes imperative. Through this MOU, we pledge to leverage our respective strengths, resources, and networks to drive innovation, foster sustainable development, and create positive impact in our communities and beyond.” - Giovanni Spadaro
Under the MOU, Rolls-Royce will continue partnering Majestic Fast Ferry to ensure ferry services are as sustainable as possible, including the use of engines and propulsion solutions that are able to run on hybrid and renewable fuels such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). This trust towards executing viable green solutions for Majestic Fast Ferry’s fleet is based on Rolls-Royce’s “reliability, fuel efficiency and performance over the number of years that made us a loyal client,” said Tan and added “Majestic Fast Ferry is currently 30% more fuel-efficient compared to our competitors. We are proud of this progress, as we continue to reduce emissions in our operations. We will certainly continue to assess and review our fuel strategy and ensure we remain at the forefront of efficiency and decarbonization.”
Changing the face of ferry travel on the Singapore Strait and beyond
Majestic Fast Ferry started with one ferry in December 2014, growing to 1.3 million passengers in 2023. As one of the youngest leading operators coming out of Singapore in a highly competitive ferry transportation industry, Majestic Fast Ferry sought to remain bold and innovative in capturing growing markets.
This led to the purchase of its first mtu engines in 2016, which delivered the best weight ratio of its class. Having Singapore and Indonesia mtu offices also meant Majestic Fast Ferry could enjoy instant support and quick response-resolution times.
In 2023, as Batam grew in popularity for domestic travel, Majestic Fast Ferry started using mtu-powered vessels for its high-speed catamaran service, making it possible to serve the route more efficiently in comparison to using slower, traditional monohulled vessels.
“With an mtu-powered vessel, it is possible to carry almost double the amount of passengers compared to our previous ferry. On top of that, the mtu-powered vessels are using the same amount of fuel as before but achieving a much faster speed,” said Tan.
Director of Marine APAC, Rolls-Royce Power Systems, Chew Xiang Yu said, “The recognition from Majestic Fast Ferry is a testament of our APAC team’s dedication to customer service. At Rolls-Royce, we stand ready to partner with our customers, offering unwavering commitment throughout their journey.
Five decades to the community and industry
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on the same day that Rolls-Royce Solutions Asia celebrated its 50th anniversary in Singapore. Serving over 30 countries across Asia, the company is supported by a dedicated team of approximately 300 employees locally, providing service solutions that play pivotal roles in the industrial, naval, governmental, commercial marine, and power generation sectors.
About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
- Rolls-Royce develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land. Our products and service packages enable our customers to connect people, societies, cultures and economies together; they meet the growing need for power generation across multiple industries; and enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power to protect.
- Rolls-Royce has a presence in 48 countries and customers in more than 150, comprising over 250 commercial large aero engine customers, 160 armed forces and navies and approximately 40,000 active Power Systems customers. We are committed to becoming a net zero company by 2050 and we support our customers to do the same.
- Annual underlying revenue was £15.4bn in 2023, underlying operating profit was £1.6bn and free cash flow £1.3bn.
- Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).
- Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany and employs more than 10,500 people. The product portfolio includes mtu-brand high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, heavy land, rail and defence vehicles and for the oil and gas industry. The portfolio also includes diesel and gas systems and battery containers for mission critical, standby and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power, and microgrids. With its climate friendly technologies, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is helping to drive the energy transition.
About Majestic Fast Ferry Pte Ltd
- Majestic Fast Ferry Pte Ltd has redefined cross-border travel between Singapore and Indonesia with its high-speed passenger ferry service. With a commitment to swift and convenient travel, the company has become a cornerstone of regional connectivity, currently operating 54 daily round trips between key ports.
- In 2019, Majestic Fast Ferry transported an impressive 2.5 million passengers annually across the Singapore-Indonesia route, boasting 70 daily round trips. This significant volume underscores the company’s pivotal role in facilitating seamless travel experiences for millions.
- Recognizing the imperative for expansion and improved service quality, Majestic Fast Ferry strategically invested in its fleet. In 2015, the acquisition of six monohull vessels bolstered its capacity to meet growing passenger demand. Building on this foundation, the company embarked on a path of continuous innovation.
- In June 2016, Majestic Fast Ferry introduced a new era of maritime excellence with the launch of its Majestic Series Vessels – a fleet of cutting-edge catamarans. This marked the inception of a biannual vessel launch strategy, symbolizing the company’s unwavering commitment to elevating standards of quality, comfort, and efficiency.
- Over the past seven years, Majestic Fast Ferry has launched a total of 22 catamaran vessels, each setting new benchmarks for maritime excellence. These vessels embody the company’s ethos of innovation and dedication to providing passengers with unparalleled travel experiences.
- Majestic Fast Ferry’s journey exemplifies a commitment to excellence in cross-border connectivity. Through strategic expansion, fleet enhancement, and relentless innovation, the company continues to redefine the standards of regional travel, ensuring that passengers enjoy swift, comfortable, and efficient journeys between Singapore and Indonesia.
