By
Rebecca Gibson |
International classification society Bureau Veritas is to class Brittany Ferries’ new €225 million ro-pax ferry, which will operate primarily on liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel.
Plans for Brittany Ferries’ new LNG-powered ferry, which is to be built by STX France at its St Nazire yard, were released in January. The 25,500 gt ship will emit around 25% less carbon dioxide and less nitrogen oxide during combustion than marine fuel oil, while the LNG fuel is sulphur-free. In addition, French engineering company GTT will provide its patented membrane tank technology to contain the onboard gas supply, which will enable the ship to carry more fuel and extend the period between bunkering operations.
As one of the world’s largest LNG-powered ro-pax ships, the 24.5-knot ferry will accommodate 2,475 passengers and 800 cars.
“We are proud to be deeply involved in this major project, not only by performing the required risk analysis for the ships, but also working with Brittany Ferries and the ports they serve on the logistics and bunkering side,” said Jean Jacques Juenet, passenger ship manager, Bureau Veritas. “With a clear picture of the economics and safety issues and certainty about the fuel supply, Brittany Ferries was able to take the crucial decision to adapt to new emission rules by making a full switch to gas power.”
Brittany Ferries will also convert three existing ro-pax ferries to gas propulsion under the supervision of Bureau Veritas.