By
Cherie Rowlands |
Rolls-Royce has signed an agreement with Lauro Shipping, Italy, to create a new class of LNG-powered ferries, in a first for passenger vessels.
The companies will jointly develop the design based on the Environship concept, which has previously only been ordered for cargo ships and where Rolls-Royce technologies will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 40 per cent compared to similar diesel powered ships, the power systems firm said.
“This latest development for our Environship concept is proof that there’s a genuine desire from ship owners to embrace cutting edge marine technology to reduce environmental impact,” Rolls-Royce president – merchant Neil Gilliver said. “We look forward to working with Lauro Shipping on this exciting project, which could be the first gas powered ferry operating in the Mediterranean. We have a huge amount of operational experience with gas powered vessels, particularly in Norway, and the fact that Lauro Shipping is leading the way in the Mediterranean, further enhances the global prospects for LNG as a marine fuel.
The new NVC 256 concept – scalable to both small and larger versions – is the latest from the Rolls-Royce Environship range that apart from the gas-powered engine, has features to reduce environmental impact while also increasing efficiency. Systems, equipment and ship design are all part of a solution which includes Bergen engines, a wave-piercing bow, and a Promas propulsion system that combines a propeller and rudder to reduce drag and increase manoeuvrability.
Lauro Shipping CEO Salvatore Lauro said: “We're pleased to announce this teaming agreement with Rolls-Royce to jointly develop an innovative, environmentally friendly ro-pax ferry design that will meet the latest technological requirements for emissions while reducing fuel consumption and operational costs.”
One of the largest ferry operators in Italy's Campania region, Lauro Shipping specialises in high speed ferries and provides connections to the islands of Capri and Ischia.