Case Study
RL Héloïse Passenger Catamaran | Baudouin Case Study
RL Héloïse Powered by Baudouin Marine Propulsion Engines
CASE STUDY
- Cylinders: 12
- Bore & Stroke (mm): 150x150
- Total Displacement (L): 31.8
- Certifications : IMO II | EPA 3 | RCD 2
Solution
- 2 x Baudouin 12M26.3
- P2 Heavy Duty
- High-Speed Passenger Catamaran
- TRANSMETAL INDUSTRIE | MER ET DESIGN | RIVIERA LINES
Baudouin Marine Propulsion for RL Héloïse
RL Héloïse: A Sustainable French Catamaran Powered by Baudouin
RL Héloïse is a pioneering 26-meter aluminium catamaran equipped with hydrofoils, representing a first in Europe for passenger transport vessels.
Designed by Mer et Design and built by Transmetal Industrie, the vessel is intended to operate on the Nice–Cannes–Saint-Tropez route, delivering a more sustainable and efficient maritime transport solution along the French Riviera.
Powered by two Baudouin 12M26.3 marine propulsion engines, RL Héloïse showcases Baudouin’s advanced propulsion technology at the heart of this innovative passenger catamaran.
Renowned worldwide for their reliability, performance, and durability, the engines provide the 26-meter vessel with the power required to ensure smooth and efficient operations while transporting up to 347 passengers across one of the most iconic coastal routes in the South of France.
Combined with a cutting-edge hydrofoil system, Baudouin’s propulsion package enables RL Héloïse to rise above the waves and reach speeds of up to 20 knots, significantly enhancing onboard comfort while reducing drag and improving overall efficiency.
The result is a quieter, smoother, and more comfortable passenger experience, paired with outstanding operational performance for a vessel of this category.
The Baudouin 12M26.3 marine propulsion engines, each delivering 1,200 kW at 1800 RPM, are specifically engineered for heavy-duty marine applications and comply with IMO III emission standards. Featuring advanced common-rail fuel injection technology and a robust engine architecture, they ensure outstanding reliability, operational efficiency, and long-term durability, fully supporting the vessel’s ambitious sustainability objectives.
Baudouin’s advanced propulsion technology also plays a central role in helping RL Héloïse achieve its environmental targets. Fully compatible with 100% renewable biofuel, the 12M26.3 engines significantly reduce emissions while maintaining high levels of performance and operational reliability.
Combined with the vessel’s innovative hydrofoil technology, which drastically reduces hydrodynamic drag, RL Héloïse achieves up to a 40% reduction in fuel consumption while eliminating CO₂ emissions during operation.
This directly supports Riviera Lines’ strong environmental commitment and compliance with increasingly stringent marine emission regulations.
Entirely designed and built in the South of France, RL Héloïse embodies regional innovation and marine engineering excellence.
The integration of Baudouin’s high-performance propulsion systems, advanced hydrofoil technology developed by Strato Compo, and renewable biofuel solutions supplied by Fioul 83 – Falaize Énergies Alternatives positions the vessel as a landmark project in sustainable maritime transportation and a powerful demonstration of Baudouin-powered innovation.
Baudouin marine propulsion engines are globally recognized for their quality, reliability, and durability. Purpose-built for marine applications, they deliver optimal operational performance while remaining easy and cost-effective to maintain.
Baudouin’s commitment to environmental responsibility is reflected in compliance with the latest marine and inland waterway emission standards, including IMO III and EPA Tier IV regulations, enabling operators to meet current requirements while preparing for future regulatory evolutions.
Supported by an extensive worldwide service network, Baudouin ensures long-term operational confidence and sustained performance for marine operators across the globe.
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