Baleària Orders Two Dual Fuel Ferries
Spanish shipping line Baleària said it has reached an agreement with the Italian shipyard Cantiere Navale Visentini to build two dual-fuel sister ferries, measuring 186.5 meters in length and a capacity for 810 people, 2,180 linear meters of cargo and 150 cars. The total investment in these vessels is some 200 million euros (approximately $215 million USD); they are expected to be operational by the end of 2018.
The ships will reach speeds of 24 knots thanks to two dual engines with a total power of 20,600 KW. The use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other clean energies reduce CO2 and NOx emissions by more than 40 percent while at the same time eliminating emissions of sulfur and other particles.
Both ferries, with virtually identical characteristics, will have 123 cabins and 402 passenger seats, as well as a wide range of on-board services, including a-la-carte and self-service restaurants, bars, shop, audiovisual programming, children's workshops and magic performances, amongst others.
Adolfo Utor, president of Baleària, remarked that these two new ferries will allow the company to guarantee improved services to both passengers and logistic operators “while at the same time gaining a competitive edge.” The two smart ships “incorporate the latest technologies to be more sustainable and ensure the best passenger travel experience."
The two new ships follow on Baleària’s cruise ferry order from LaNaval shipyard at the beginning of 2016. Like these two new vessels, they too will be gas powered and equipped with the latest, eco-efficient technologies. This intelligent vessel will be the largest operating in the Mediterranean and among the largest in the world; it will incorporate cruise services to enhance the passenger experience. With a 187 million euro (approximately $201 million USD) investment, it is expected to operate on the Balearic routes during 2019.
These three new vessels and the current auxiliary, gas-run engine of the ferry Abel Matutes (which uses this fuel in maneuvering and port stays), make Baleària a pioneer shipping company in the use of LNG.
