A Record-Breaking Speed on the Water

While 67 mph might seem like a standard cruising speed on a highway, on the open ocean, it represents a blistering pace for a large-scale passenger vessel. The HSC Francisco, an Australian-built marvel, currently holds the title for the fastest passenger ship in service globally. To achieve such impressive speeds, the vessel relies on an staggering amount of power—specifically, a total of 118,000 horsepower generated by two GE LM2500 gas turbine jet engines.


The Engine Power Behind the Speed

The propulsion system of the Francisco is nothing short of legendary. Each of the two installed turbines provides power equivalent to 33 Bugatti Tourbillons. The choice of GE LM2500 turbines is strategic, as this engine family boasts over 50 years of development history. According to the manufacturer, the engines maintain a 99% reliability record and are the standard for 95% of the U.S. Navy’s gas-powered turbine fleet.

To convert this raw power into movement, the ship utilizes two Wartsila LJX 1720 SR axial waterjets. These components are capable of displacing 24,000 liters of water per second, enabling the massive 325-foot structure to maintain its record-breaking velocity despite carrying hundreds of passengers and a full load of vehicles.


Precision Design and Stability

Raw power is only effective when matched with proper naval architecture. The HSC Francisco utilizes a specialized wave-piercing catamaran design, which is critical for two reasons:

  • Stability: The twin-hull configuration allows the ship to slice through the water efficiently while minimizing motion sickness for travelers.
  • Efficient Packaging: By utilizing the two hulls to house liquified natural gas (LNG) tanks, designers were able to clear the upper decks for passenger comfort.

The internal layout is spread across four distinct tiers. The lowest level serves as a vehicle deck, the second level hosts economy seating and amenities like bars and shops, while the third tier is dedicated to first-class and VIP lounges. This configuration proves that a dual-hull design can successfully balance high-speed requirements with a significant passenger payload.


Looking Toward the Future

The HSC Francisco continues to stand as a benchmark in maritime engineering. Whether its records will be eclipsed in the coming years remains to be seen, but for now, the ferry remains the fastest way to travel by water. For those visiting Buenos Aires, a trip on this vessel offers a unique experience that departs significantly from the typical ferry transit.