Baleària has reached an agreement with the Italian shipyard Cantiere Navale Visentini to build two, dual gas engine sister ferries, measuring 186.5 meters in length and a capacity for 810 people, 2,180 linear meters of cargo and 150 cars. The total investment in these innovative vessels is some 200 million euros.
With the construction of these two vessels, the company takes a further step forward in its commitment to use natural gas and eco-efficiency in their fleet. The ships reach a speed of 24 knots thanks to two dual engines with a total power of 20,600 KW. The use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other clean energies reduce CO2 and NOx emissions by more than 40% while at the same time eliminating extremely harmful emissions of sulfur and other particles.
Both ferries, with virtually identical characteristics, will have 123 cabins and 402 passenger seats.
Adolfo Utor, president of Baleària, remarked that these two new ferries will allow the company to guarantee improved services to both passengers and logistic operators “while at the same time gaining a competitive edge.” The two smart ships “incorporate the latest technologies to be more sustainable and ensure the best passenger travel experience”.
The company further says that these new ships are an addition to the ‘cruise ferry’ that Baleària ordered from LaNaval shipyard at the beginning of 2016. Like these two new vessels, they too will be gas powered and equipped with the latest, eco-efficient technologies. This intelligent vessel will be the largest operating in the Mediterranean and amongst the largest in the world; it will incorporate cruise services to enhance the passenger experience. With a 187 million euro investment, it is expected to operate on the Balearic routes during 2019.
The ne ferries are expected to be operational by the end of 2018.
Source: Baleària
