HSC Francisco is a high-speed catamaran built by Incat in Hobart, Tasmania. Powered by liquefied natural gas,[4] she is currently the fastest passenger ship in service, reaching a speed of 58 knots (107 km/h; 67 mph). Propulsion is by two GE LM2500 gas turbines, coupled with two Wärtsilä water-jets.

Francisco in Buenos Aires
History
Uruguay
NameHSC Francisco
NamesakePope Francis, first Argentine Pope
Owner2013-present : Buquebus
RouteBuenos AiresMontevideo
BuilderIncat, Hobart, Tasmania
Yard number69
Launched17 November 2012
In service2013
HomeportMontevideo, Uruguay
Identification
StatusIn service
General characteristics
Tonnage7,109 GT; Summer DWT: 500 t; 1,516 tonnes of displacement[1]
Length99 m
Beam26.48 m
Installed power6 Caterpillar C18 generators for onboard power + 2 Caterpillar C9 generators for main engine services
Propulsion2 General Electric LM2500 rated at 22 MW each[2] driving 2 Wärtsilä LJX1720 SR Waterjets
Speed58 knots (67 mph; 107 km/h)
Capacity
  • 1,025 passengers
  • 150 cars[3]

The catamaran is owned and operated by Argentine-Uruguayan ferry company Buquebus. Francisco plies the 146-nautical-mile (270 km; 168 mi) sea route between Buenos Aires and Montevideo,[5] in around two hours and 45 minutes.

Francisco in Buenos Aires

HSC Francisco is named after Pope Francis.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Francisco, World’s Fastest Commercial Ship Powered by LNG-Fueled GE Gas Turbines (PDF), GE Aviation
  2. ^ "069".
  3. ^ Thakkar, Pooja (1 July 2013). "The Fastest Ship on Earth Powered By Jet Engines". Technology Digital. San Diego. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  4. ^ Rebón, Nuria (26 April 2018). "Buquebus: u$s 190 millones para una nueva terminal, energía solar y barco a GNL". El Cronista (in Spanish).
  5. ^ Sea routes