EMEA News
Stena Line Methanol Bunker Conversion Gets Go-Ahead
Ferry operator Stena Line will convert the Stena Germanica into the first vessel to run off methanol, Green4Sea reports.
The retrofits of the 1,500-passenger ferry will cost €22 million ($27.5 million), and will be carried out at the Remontova Shipyard in Poland beginning early next year.
The new dual-fuel engine will see sulfur oxide (SOx) reductions of 99 percent, nitrogen oxide (NOx) reductions of 60 percent, diesel particulate matter (PM) reductions of 95 percent and carbon dioxide (CO2) reductions of 25 percent.
"We constantly review the use of different types of fuel for the future," said CEO Carl-Johan Hagman.
“The conversion of a fleet of 40 ferries is a major challenge that requires a lot of time, energy and financial resources," adding that further methanol conversions will depend on how the Stena Germanica project goes.
The engine retrofits are being carried out in cooperation with Wärtsilä Corporation, while Methanex will provide the methanol.
The company said that the ship will run on its Sweden to Germany route.
In September Stena Line said in 2015 it would begin a trial with methanol bunkers as it warned of "significant economic impact" from new Emissions Control Area rules set to come into force from January 1, 2015.
