From build-line to boat – the journey of the first Perkins^® E44.

Design and engineering

The E44, like all Perkins marine engines, is designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK under the watchful eye of the experienced team at the facility.

Customisation takes centre stage in the marinisation and assembly phases. Whether it's the desired power range or cooling options for various applications — we tailor our engines to meet the specific needs of our customers.

Painting takes place at our world-class on-site paint facility, where the engine is sprayed in the signature prestige blue outercoat.

After this, the engine undergoes a rigorous test conducted by skilled technicians. Finally, the E44 heads to finishing and another round of quality control to ensure it meets our high standards before it is shipped across the world.
 

Arrival in Singapore

After departing from Wimborne, UK, in quarter one of 2024, the first Perkins E44 electronic auxiliary engine arrived at its second stop: Singapore, to be transformed by our distributor and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) MPD.

Once safely in their hands, the engine underwent detailed inspections – including a check of the iconic Perkins Prestige blue paint, of course – and moved into the capable hands of MPD’s assembly team.
 

Generator set assembly and test

Here they created a custom Power Drive Marine generator set powered by the Perkins E44 electronic auxiliary engine, tailored to the Majestic Fast Ferries specification.

During the assembly and test stage, the MPD team coupled the engine with an AC alternator and integrated it with their control systems. MPD then carefully tested the engine’s electrical connections and control systems, ventilation and cooling, fuel supply and reserve, maintenance access, structural integrity and safety features. The generator set, powered by the E44, then departed MPD and was shipped to the PT Cahaya Samudra's Shipyard where it was easily integrated on the vessel.
 

Onsite installation and commissioning

Once the generator set was in position on the vessel, the MPD technicians connected and sealed the hoses and pipes to ensure there were no leaks. Next, three key systems required attention - the exhaust, fuel, and water systems. The procedure was to carry out an extensive safety protection and function check for high water temperature, low oil pressure, overspeed shutdown, in conjunction with class specific requirements. The generator set forms part of the Auto Monitoring System (AMS) and all electrical connections were established to ensure the set is talking to the vessel’s central control system.

The technicians were now satisfied that everything was in place and awaited the call for sea trials.
 

Sea trials and handover

During the sea trial, the Power Drive Marine generator set powered by the Perkins E44 was put through its paces as all the systems were checked. Technicians from MPD were onboard for the sea trial to ensure everything was working correctly. Great news – it did!

Unity of Majestic was then ready to go into service as a passenger ferry operating in South Asia. The captain and engineers have access to MPD Aftersales Support Programme that operates 365 days a year. Here MPD technicians based in Batam and Singapore use their technical product knowledge with accessibility to genuine Perkins replacement parts, to offer swift and responsive support over the phone and in person, at sea or in port.

Majestic Fast Ferry operate up to 80 daily trips from Singapore to Batam and Bintan islands benefiting local communities and tourism by improving connectivity between Singapore and nearby regions. This promotes tourism, boosts local economies, and provides residents with more travel options.

The high frequency of journeys requires reliable and trusted equipment. Unity of Majestic utilises MPD’s auxiliary generator set equipment, powered by Perkins E44 auxiliary engine, which benefit from the dependable support of the Perkins distributor, Multico Power Drive Pte Ltd. The equipment's quiet and efficient operation significantly reduces noise and vibration levels on the ferry, ensuring a more pleasant environment for passengers. Additionally, the E44 is equipped with advanced emission control technologies and is MCS class certified, which help minimise the environmental impact and ensure compliance with stringent emission standards.

The generator set also plays a critical role in enhancing passenger comfort on board. The reliable power supply supports essential systems such as lighting, air conditioning and entertainment, contributing to a comfortable and enjoyable journey for passengers.

This focus on sustainability and passenger comfort underscores Majestic Fast Ferry's dedication to providing a high-quality travel experience.

We hope you have enjoyed following the journey from build line to boat for the first Perkins E44 marine auxiliary engine.

If you have been inspired by this story, contact your local Perkins distributor to discuss how the E44 can bring benefit your operations.