Fincantieri LNG ferry sets sail for Canada

After successfully completing sea trials, the ‘F. A. Gauthier’, an LNG-powered ferry built by Fincantieri in Naples, set sail for Matane, in Québec, Canada.

The ferry will be delivered to Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) in Canada. It is the first LNG-powered ferry ever built in Italy, and the first of its kind to enter into service in North America.

Dual-fuel engines

The vessel, which is equipped with a unique integrated diesel electric propulsion system, has four dual-fuel diesel power generators installed and it can run on either LNG or marine diesel oil (MDO). This propulsion system fully meets the ecological requirements of Emission Control Areas (ECAs), such as the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Caribbean and North America.

The ship is certified as ice class 1A with regards to the hull and propulsion class 1AS, which are the highest levels awarded by these classification registries. These classifications allow the vessel to operate non-stop in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, known for its adverse weather conditions. The ferry is also able to break sea ice, thanks to its innovative bow and stern, designed and patented by Fincantieri.

The ferry’s two electric propulsion engines operate azimuth thrusters, each equipped with two Countra-Rotating propellers.

At a length of 133 m and a width of 22 m, ‘F. A. Gauthier’ will be able to reach a maximum service speed of 20 knots and to carry 800 passengers and 180 vehicles. The ferry will be used in the Province of Québec on the Matane–Baie-Comeau–Godbout route, which, with 1600 sailings per year, provides transport for more than 180 000 passengers and over 85 000 vehicles.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/02042015/lng-powered-ferry-sets-sail-for-canada-531/