Castoldi is extending its product portfolio, introducing a larger version of its waterjet for the high-speed ferry, crew transfer vessel and offshore patrol vessel segments.
The new addition to Castoldi’s portfolio, the Turbodrive 600 H.C.T., is designed for engines with power ranges from 500 kW up to 1,900 kW (2,700 HP). The waterjet is the first of its size to be equipped with an integrated gearbox (heavy duty certified) with up to 13 gear ratios available, matched to a multi-disc hydraulic clutch.
“We are proud to bring our expertise and product quality to the commercial marine sector through this launch,” said Giacomo Castoldi, owner, Castoldi.
Castoldi is an established supplier of waterjet propulsion solutions to the passenger and naval markets. The Italian waterjet supplier will be able to meet the requirements of high speed passenger vessels and interceptors following the launch of its larger capacity model.
The waterjet retains Castoldi’s innovative Clear-Duct unclogging system (synchronizing operations of the impeller rotation reversing and the intake grid opening) and the integration with the interceptors. The steering and reversing actuators have been designed to manage the high forces involved with two hydraulic cylinders controlling the movement of the bucket. This allows rapid and efficient crash-stops and one cylinder dedicated to the steering nozzle for greater dynamic efficiency.
The launch follows shortly after Castoldi announced one of the largest orders in its recent history, for a series of local ferries that will be built at the Maldives Shipyard of UAE shipyard Gulf Craft. The contract will see the Italian supplier supply over 164 Turbodrive 400 H.C. waterjets to the Maldives Shipyard in connection with an order for 82 Gulf Craft Touring 51 ferries. The ferries will be operated by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).
The first four vessels were officially handed over by Gulf Craft to MTCC in January 2022. They are currently undergoing route and schedule testing before ferry services officially begin.Gulf Craft is now developing a new production facility dedicated to the manufacturing of vessels for use in the Indian Ocean which will see its operations and production capacity double within 16 months.
