By
Rebecca Gibson |
German operator AG EMS is to build a new dual-fuel ferry under the supervision of classification society DNV GL.
Built by German shipyard Fassmer, the 80 m ferry will be the first German-flagged newbuild to feature a propulsion system designed to operate primarily using liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel. While the ferry will operate primarily on LNG fuel, both engines have been designed as dual fuel engines, enabling the vessel to use conventional fuels if required.
Using LNG as fuel will significantly reduce the vessel’s sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions and will decrease carbon dioxide emissions by up to 30%. This will enable the ferry to comply with new environmental regulations and sail in environmentally sensitive coastal areas.
“At DNV GL we have promoted the use of LNG as a ship fuel for many years and it is very gratifying to see that there is a growing realisation of the potential of this technology to help the shipping industry demonstrate its commitment to acting as responsible steward of the environment,” said Henning Pewe, an LNG expert from DNV. “We have been working for some time on the development of these technologies, especially in the area of bunkering, to ensure that as more owners look to take advantage of these innovations, they have the support they need to be confident in the safety of their investment.”
In addition, the newbuild will meet the Blue Angel standards for eco-friendly ship design and features a dynamic stabilisation system to ensure passenger comfort. The hull has been designed to facilitate a cruising speed of 20 knots.
Scheduled for delivery in April 2015, the 1,000-passenger ship will also feature an onboard crane and the capacity to carry up to ten 10 ft reefer containers.
The new ship will operate year-round between the German port of Cuxhaven and the Heligoland archipelago.