By
Alex Smith |
Brittany Ferries’ new LNG-powered vessel, Salamanca, has been launched at China Merchants Jinling (CMJL) shipyard in Weihai, China.
Salamanca is the second of three E-Flexer class ships ordered by Brittany Ferries, and is scheduled to enter service in spring 2022. She will serve on the company’s long-distance routes between the UK and Spain, becoming the first LNG-powered ferry to operate from the UK.
“In spite of Brexit and Covid-19, which have cost our company several hundred million euros already, I am resolved to remain on our path towards eco-responsibility and energy transition,” said Jean-Marc Roué, president of Brittany Ferries. “It is a formal commitment I’ve made; we will continue to reduce our carbon footprint, to keep on improving our fleet and to contribute to the development of the regions we serve. Salamanca is a good illustration of this. By renewing our fleet today, we are ensuring a return to growth tomorrow and Brittany Ferries and our partners remain confident in the future.”
Salamanca will be one of the largest ships in Brittany Ferries’ fleet at 42,000gt, with capacity for 1,015 passengers. She will be equipped with two Wartsila 12V46DF engines generating 13,740 kilowatts each. Alternators have been installed to allow for the recovery of energy while the ship is moving, meaning that the electrical generators will only be required when the vessel is stationary.
The facilities for storing LNG fuel for the vessels will be provided by energy company Repsol. Two quayside LNG bunkering terminals will be built in the Spanish ports of Santander and Bilbao, including a 1,000-metre-square storage tank to provide uninterrupted supply for Salamanca.