By
Rebecca Gibson |
Baleària ferry Napoles can now be powered by LNG fuel following an extensive three-month conversion project at Gibdock shipyard in Gibraltar.
The 1,600-passenger Napoles, which also has 1,430 lane metres of cargo capacity, arrived at Gibdock on 15 November 2018. The shipyard’s team installed two prefabricated LNG bunker fuel reception stations and also carried out extensive modifications on Deck 1 to accommodate a 200-tonne LNG fuel tank from Wärtsilä.
In addition, engineers from MAN Primeserv modified the ferry’s MAN 9L 48/60-A main engines, which are now designated 9L 51/60DFF. Gibdock assisted with auxiliary pipework and steel structures during the reassembly process, also fitting specialised valves, a compressor and generator unit. Gibdock’s technicians also completed extensive automation system and cabling work.
Napoles has now started operating a new passenger and freight route between Huelva, Spain and the Canary Islands.
“Baleària is a longstanding client for scheduled repair and maintenance work, so it made perfect sense to carry out the conversion at Gibdock,” said Richard Beards, managing director at Gibdock. “We are delighted to have been entrusted with this landmark project, which was a first for us and for Baleària; the experience will ensure that the Sicilia conversion goes even more smoothly.”
Napoles is the first of five ferries that Baleària plans to convert to dual-fuel operations to comply with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) sulphur cap regulations. Gibdock will convert the second vessel, Sicilia, later this year.
“We already have substantial experience with ballast water treatment and scrubber retrofits, and now we have an LNG dual conversion under our belt,” said Beards. “Our range of solutions for forthcoming IMO regulatory changes is comprehensive in suiting any vessel type, age and route profile.”