EMEA News
World's First Conversion of a High-Speed Ro-Pax to LNG Propulsion to be Featured at Innovation Gallery
Spain's Fundación Valenciaport (Valenciaport) Tuesday announced that its GAINN4SHIP INNOVATION project, which will see the conversion of the Bencomo Express to hybrid diesel-liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion has been chosen to be showcased at the 2016 GENERA Innovation Gallery in the Energy and Environment International Trade Fair.
The project was said to be the world’s first conversion of a high-speed ro-pax vessel to use LNG bunkers, and for the trade fair because of both its technological innovation and its efforts to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.
"The technical solution to be applied to this vessel will demonstrate the feasibility of using LNG as a marine fuel," said Valenciaport
The vessel is being converted for shipping company Fred. Olsen, S.A. (Fred. Olsen), which operates the vessel along the islands of the Canary archipelago, and is said to be hoping to do so in a "greener and more sustainable way" through the use of LNG bunkers.
Beginning with Bencomo Express, Fred. Olsen is said to be intending to similarly retrofit its entire fleet within the short-to-medium term.
"This revolutionary model of inter-island transport based on the use of LNG as a marine fuel is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 20 percent and sulfur emissions by 80 percent," said Valenciaport.
"In addition, it will generate an initial demand for LNG as a marine fuel in Spanish ports, which would represent a first step towards making Spain a strategic hub for supplying this type of fuel through its ports."
In March, upon announcing its funding for the project, the EU explained that a key driver behind the project is to help operators comply with environmental regulations "in the most efficient way possible."
