EMEA News
Baleària to Build "Smart" Solar & Natural Gas-Powered Ferry
Baleària has announced it has signed a contract to a build a new ferry at Spain's LaNaval Shipyard that will use liquefied natural gas (LNG) and solar power as energy sources.
Three dual fuel engines will use either natural gas or liquid fuel; solar panels will power on-board services.
This vessel is expected to begin operations during 2019, and with a length of 232.2 meters it will be among the largest in Europe, according to Baleària.
It will be the first passenger ferry powered by LNG in the Mediterranean.
"[We] want to establish a before and after in maritime transport, incorporating the latest technology to make the trip a unique experience," said Adolfo Utor, Chairman of Baleària.
Jose Ignacio Irasuegui, Managing Director of LaNaval said: "[The] signing of the contract...is a milestone that consolidates LaNaval's positioning in the passenger ship market and, in general, in the design and construction of ships with high technological content.
"We are convinced that this agreement will be the start of a long-term relationship between LaNaval and Baleària."
The ship, which joins 22 other vessels in the Baleària fleet, will employ a number of measures to reduce bunker consumption, including high efficiency propellers, shaft lines, and rudders.
In November of 2012 Ship & Bunker reported that Baleària had converted some existing ferries to use LNG bunkers.
