The 118,000-Horsepower Ferry That Hits 67 MPH — And Yes, That’s Fast for a Ship

Sixty-seven miles per hour barely raises an eyebrow on the highway. But when you’re talking about a 325-foot passenger ferry carrying more than 1,000 people and 150 cars, that speed is nothing short of astonishing. The HSC Francisco, built in Tasmania and currently the fastest passenger ship in service, achieves that velocity with a pair of GE LM2500 gas turbine jet engines. Combined, they produce 118,000 horsepower — enough to power 66 Bugatti Tourbillons, if you’re counting.

Owned by Argentine ferry operator Buquebus and named after Pope Francis, the ship runs a 140-mile route across the Rio de la Plata, connecting Buenos Aires to Montevideo. It’s not just fast; it’s spacious. Four passenger tiers include a car deck, economy seating, a duty-free shop, a bar, and a first-class lounge. To move that much weight through water at speed, the turbines drive two Wärtsilä LJX 1720 SR axial waterjets, each blasting 24,000 liters of water per second. The engines themselves boast a reliability record above 99%, and the same family powers 95% of gas-turbine ships in the U.S. Navy.

But raw power alone doesn’t explain the Francisco’s performance. The secret is its wave-piercing catamaran hull. That twin-hull design cuts through chop without making passengers queasy, while also providing natural stability at high speed. The space between the hulls stores liquefied natural gas tanks, freeing up room for those four passenger levels. It’s a clever package that balances payload, comfort, and record-breaking pace. For now, the Francisco holds the crown. But in the world of maritime speed, records don’t last forever. If you find yourself in Buenos Aires, a ride on this ferry is less a commute and more an experience.