Bermuda Challenge

Chris Fertig of Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) is ready to take on the coveted Bermuda Challenge. MLL's sponsorship support of the M/V TDI Clean Diesel, captained by MLL's own Chris Fertig, will be competing for the Bermuda Challenge World Record later this summer. Created by Boating Magazine in 1994, the Bermuda Challenge is an offshore powerboat endurance race which begins at the Statue of Liberty in New York City and finishes at the sea buoy in St. Georges, Bermuda. This exciting event was designed to challenge marine engineers and boat builders to develop more reliable and efficient vessels which are capable of making the arduous 780 mile open ocean transit from New York City to Bermuda.

Over the last three years, Chris has put together a remarkable team comprised of 13 different industry leading companies and sponsors committed to breaking the current Bermuda Challenge World Record which currently stands at 22 hours and 23 minutes, while using less fuel and producing less engine emissions than the current record holder.

Chris Fertig takes on the Challenge

Only a few have taken on the challenge over the years. In 2002 the record time was set at 22 hours, 23 minutes, which still stands unchallenged. Chris Fertig of Virginia Beach, Va. is ready to beat the standing record by more than two hours. Chris, General Manager of MLL's Maritime Technical Services (MTS) business unit, will compete in May/June to win the coveted title. Chris is a graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy and a former Coast Guard Go-Fast drug interdiction officer.

With approximately five years of experience at MLL, Chris has a first-hand glimpse of what it takes to keep an entire fleet of ships running efficiently. As part of MLL's MTS business unit which provides defense consulting services to government and commercial clients, Chris is involved with marine program management, maritime technology research, marine systems integration along with fleet operational efficiency management and optimization. Leveraging his knowledge acquired through his years of technical experience, Chris decided to incorporate a set of best practices into his boat.

Chris' boat is powered by stern-drives and will cruise at 35 knots any extra fuel. The boat will use some of the latest, most innovative technologies in the boating industry. Chris expects to make the journey getting about 3mpg of fuel.

Technologies Being Used

Statement Marine Shock-mitigating air-ride suspension system Air suspension system to reduce impact to crew and equipment Simrad Integrated Navigation System Advanced integrated navigation system including high definition radar, side-scan sonar, real-time satellite weather, AIS and autopilot FLIR thermal imaging System Thermal imaging system to provide short range collision avoidance information in all lighting conditions Shadow-Caster CAN-controllable LED lighting CAN controllable color, brightness and strobe, 4200 lumen LED lights Extremely low power consumption, water, dust, and vibration proof Dragoon Technologies Satellite Communications High-speed satellite communications for streaming video, voice and data

David Clark Wireless Marine Intercom System Integrated wireless communication system to reduce crew fatigue and improves communication clarity while running at high speeds and in noisy and loud environments Cummins Mercruiser Diesel Axius Propulsion System Fly by wire throttle and steering controls Low speed joystick steering Auto heading, auto pilot, and hold position capability Cummins Mercruiser Diesel 4.2L, 350HP twin turbocharged TDI Engines Variable geometry turbochargers to provide significantly improved low end power Highest power density of any marine diesel engine—350HP @ 811 lbs EPA Tier III Compliant, Ultra low NOx, SOx, and particulates emissions Quietest marine diesel engine in the world Engine and hull combination are 300% more efficient and similar outboard powered boats