World News
Australian Ro-Ro to be First LNG-Powered Vessel of its Kind
A new 181-metre long Australian RoRo ferry will be the first of its size operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG), according to German shipbuilder Flensburger-Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG).
The ship, which will provide a regular liner service between Melbourne and Devonport, Tasmania for operator SeaRoad, is also FSG's first order from Australia.
FSG expects to deliver it in the third quarter of 2016.
"This new building demonstrates yet again the high-level competence of our yard and our innovative capabilities," said FSG Managing Director Peter Sierk.
"We are very proud that SeaRoad has chosen us and that our ideas have prevailed over those of international competitors."
The vessel will be able to carry containers, including refrigerated (reefer) units, as well as trailers, cars, hazardous cargo, and live animals such as cattle.
To power the ship, mobile LNG tanks will be taken on board during the ship's loading and unloading and then fixed in place with a locking system developed by FSG.
The use of LNG will nearly eliminate emissions sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM), while reducing carbon dioxide pollutions by about 20 percent.
Wärtsilä Corporation (Wärtsilä) said last fall that LNG is emerging as a "prime fuel for ferries."
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