VW Set to Use Two LNG-Powered Car Carriers

VW says it will use two LNG-powered car carriers on routes between Europe and North America.

The Volkswagen Group (VW) Wednesday announced that it will use two liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered car carriers on routes between Europe and North America from 2019 onwards.

VW says the plan, which was proposed by SIEM Car Carriers AS (SIEM Car Carriers), will see the two LNG-powered ships replace two of the nine HFO-powered freighters currently employed for VW on a round trip scheme across the North Atlantic.

"The two planned charter vessels from Siem Car Carriers are a genuine milestone on the way to eco-friendlier marine transport," said VW, noting that the use LNG-powered Ro-Ro car carriers on other routes is also under consideration.

The two LNG-powered vessels are said to be expected to reduce annual CO2 emissions per ship by as much as 25 percent, NOx by as much as up to 30 percent, particulate matter (PM) by up to 60 percent, and SOx emissions by 100 percent.

VW says that emissions will be further reduced by the vessels' "highly advanced" dual-fuel engines, featuring direct injection and exhaust gas treatment.

The two vessels, each with an approximate 4,500 vehicle capacity, will be equipped with a 3,000 m³ LNG tank below deck and a 12,600 kW MAN Diesel & Turbo engine, with capacity said to be comparable to conventional transatlantic freighters.

"By commissioning the two LNG-powered freighters for the route between Europe and North America, Volkswagen Group Logistics is forging ahead with environmentally compatible, resource-efficient transport," said  Wolfram Thomas, Head of Group Production.

In July, Ship & Bunker reported that VW was looking to build and operate the first commercial sailing freighter of the modern era.