© 2025 Zeppelin Power Systems GmbH
Germany | EN
Germany | EN
Germany | EN
Germany | EN
© 2025 Zeppelin Power Systems GmbH
The ferry industry plays a central role in the global transport and travel sector: ferries connect islands to the mainland, cross rivers and straits, and offer an alternative to bridges and tunnels. They transport millions of passengers, vehicles, and goods annually, with routes ranging from short harbor crossings to multi-day sea voyages.
Our propulsion solutions for ferries offer the highest reliability and efficiency to meet the demanding requirements of ferry operations. With powerful drives for punctual schedules and outstanding maneuverability for safe harbor maneuvers, we ensure that your ferries are always ready for service. Whether for short-distance, medium-range, long-distance, RoRo, or high-speed ferries, we provide propulsion systems and versatile service for every type. Our tailored solutions ensure that your ferries are perfectly adapted to specific operational conditions and passenger capacities.
Zeppelin Power Systems Solutions for Marine
Main propulsion systems, from diesel engines to environmentally friendly electric solutions, determine power and range. Auxiliary drives, usually generators, provide energy to onboard systems.
Tailored Technology for Your Ferry: Our main propulsion systems are the heart of every ferry, playing a crucial role in determining its performance and efficiency.
Our auxiliary drives play a central role in the safe and efficient operation of ferries. They provide the vessel with the necessary power for all onboard systems, from lighting and air conditioning to navigation instruments.
Zeppelin Power Systems Solutions for Marine
Zeppelin Power Systems Solutions for Marine
Main propulsion systems, from diesel engines to environmentally friendly electric solutions, determine power and range. Auxiliary drives, usually generators, provide energy to onboard systems.
Tailored Technology for Your Ferry: Our main propulsion systems are the heart of every ferry, playing a crucial role in determining its performance and efficiency.
Our auxiliary drives play a central role in the safe and efficient operation of ferries. They provide the vessel with the necessary power for all onboard systems, from lighting and air conditioning to navigation instruments.
Our Cat engines have an excellent reputation for their longevity and reliability. This is crucial for regular ferry operations, as failures or unplanned maintenance can have significant financial and logistical consequences. Additionally, modern Cat propulsion systems are known for their remarkable fuel efficiency. This not only leads to a significant reduction in operating costs but also contributes substantially to reducing environmental impact.
The extensive product portfolio of Zeppelin Power Systems allows for the development of tailored solutions for various ferry types and operational areas. Whether it's small passenger ferries for inland waters or large Ro-Ro ferries for international traffic, the optimal propulsion solution can be configured for every requirement. This flexibility also extends to the possibility of retrofitting or expanding existing systems.
With advanced emissions-reduction technologies, the propulsion systems from Zeppelin Power Systems help meet even the strictest environmental regulations. This includes reducing pollutants such as NOx and particulate matter, as well as minimizing CO₂ emissions. As a result, ferry operators can not only comply with legal requirements but also actively contribute to environmental protection.
Zeppelin Power Systems offers complete propulsion packages that include not only the main propulsion system but also all necessary auxiliary systems. This holistic approach ensures optimal coordination of all components and simplifies both installation and later operation. Customers benefit from a general contractor who takes responsibility for the entire propulsion system.
Zeppelin Power Systems Products for Marine
Zeppelin Power Systems offers a wide range of Cat engines suitable for use in ferries. Some engine series are particularly well-suited for this purpose due to their specific characteristics. Here is an overview of the most relevant models:
The final choice of engine depends on various factors such as the size and type of the ferry, the route, local emission regulations, and specific operational requirements. Zeppelin Power Systems provides personalized advice to customers to find the optimal solution for each application.
Zeppelin Power Systems Products for Marine
Zeppelin Power Systems offers a range of GenSets for ferries that play a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient operation. These auxiliary propulsion solutions, also known as auxiliary diesels or GenSets, provide power to various onboard systems. Here is an overview of our auxiliary drives and their benefits:
Zeppelin Power Systems offers customized service solutions for the ferry industry. Here are some of our services:
Our holistic approach maximizes the operational readiness, efficiency, and sustainability of ferries. It enables operators to offer reliable and environmentally friendly services while meeting current environmental regulations.
In the demanding ferry sector, continuous monitoring of the fleet and equipment is essential. Our digital solutions provide the transparency needed to optimize propulsion systems and enhance the cost-effectiveness of your ferry operations.
With our innovative solutions – Fleet Operation Management (FOC) and Active Equipment Connect (AEC) – we help ferry operators reduce fuel consumption and operating costs. These systems take into account the specific challenges of ferry operations, such as frequent harbor maneuvers, variable loading conditions, and tight schedules.
Ferries play a crucial role in modern transportation, offering a variety of solutions for different needs. From short harbor crossings to long sea voyages, each ferry type has its own characteristics and challenges.
Short-distance ferries, such as harbor ferries, increasingly rely on our environmentally friendly propulsion solutions. Electric and hybrid drives dominate here, with a strong focus on zero emissions and noise reduction. These ferries are often integrated into public transportation systems and are characterized by high frequency and quick turnaround times.
Medium-distance ferries, which frequently operate along coastlines, need to balance range and environmental friendliness. Our diesel-electric systems are used here. These ferries transport passengers, cars, and sometimes trucks, providing comfort for several hours of crossings.
Long-distance ferries often resemble cruise ships in their equipment. They rely on our powerful Cat diesel engines or LNG propulsion systems, focusing heavily on fuel efficiency over long distances. These ferries offer high passenger and vehicle capacities, as well as extensive onboard facilities for multi-day journeys.
RoRo ferries (Roll-on/Roll-off) are specialized in the efficient transport of vehicles and rolling cargo. They are equipped with high-performance diesel engines or LNG drives and feature fast loading and unloading systems. Reducing emissions while maintaining high cargo capacity presents a particular challenge here.
High-speed ferries use our powerful, lightweight Cat engines for rapid crossings. They are often constructed from lightweight materials and feature complex navigation systems. Optimizing energy consumption at high speeds is a central challenge.
Across industries, environmental considerations and digital solutions are gaining increasing importance. Stringent environmental regulations drive innovation in propulsion technologies and operational efficiency. The integration of digital systems for fleet management, maintenance, and customer service enhances efficiency and competitiveness across the ferry sector.
Zeppelin Power Systems Resources for Marine
You can find more information about our marine solutions in the brochure
You can find more information about our solutions for yachts in the brochure
Zeppelin Power Systems Portfolio
