Fjord Line takes delivery of LNG-fuelled ferry
Published by Callum O'Reilly,
Senior Editor
LNG Industry,
Fjord Line has taken delivery of the new MS Bergensfjord, the second of two LNG-fuelled cruise ferries built for the Norwegian shipping line by the Bergen Group Fosen shipyard in Rissa, Norway.
The Bergensfjord’s identical sister ship, MS Stavangerfjord, is already in service after it started sailing the Bergen-Stavanger-Hirtshals route and Hirtshals-Langesund routes in July 2013.
Fjord Line’s CEO, Ingvald Fardal, said: “This marks the beginning of a new era in ferry traffic between Norway and the EU that will be of great importance to both the tourism and business sectors. The sale of tickets for the summer months already looks extremely promising in Norway and continental Europe.”
In the coming weeks, Fjord Line will concentrate on fitting out the remaining equipment and training the ship’s crew in all aspects of operations and safety procedures. The new cruise ferry’s first regularly scheduled departure is currently slated for 3 April from Bergen.
“We are very pleased that Bergen Group Fosen has been able to deliver the ship in accordance with the schedule agreed on last summer. That gives us enough time to run in technical equipment and conduct quality control of all operations and logistics. If possible, we will put the ship into service earlier than currently planned,” added Fardal.
Environmentally friendly LNG
Fjord Lines’ two new cruise ferries are both equipped with engines powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG engines reduce NOx emissions by 92% compared to engines powered by traditional heavy fuel oil. Emissions of sulfur are eliminated completely, while particulate emissions are cut by 98%. The technology Fjord Line uses also reduces emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2) by 23%.
The new LNG-fuelled ships, which are 170 m long, are perfectly designed to handle North Sea waves and provide passengers with a smooth and stable voyage. Each ship has space for 1500 passengers, with 306 cabins and a vehicle deck for up to 600 cars, trucks and cargo.
Adapted from press release by Callum O'Reilly
Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/04022014/fjord_line_takes_delivery_of_lng-fuelled_ferry_121/
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