PitPoint BV informed that the Texelstroom, a ferry operated by Dutch shipping firm TESO, is the first ferry in Europe to have run on CNG (compressed natural gas), as of last week. By swithing to CNG, the Texelstroom aims to become more sustainable and to reduce its fuel consumption and harmful emissions.
This sustainable ferry is the result of collaboration between TESO and a number of partners including clean fuel supplier PitPoint, Lloyd’s Register, C-Job, LaNaval, Compressor System Holland, and Umoe.
The project had a dual goal: to make the ship as sustainable, clean and economical as possible, whilst also guaranteeing a safe and reliable connection to the mainland. Moreover, the ferry has also been technically equipped to run on Biomethane, which is even cleaner than CNG.
TESO’s selection of a cleaner fuel was partly based on the analysis of practical data coming from PitPoint’s refueling stations for CNG and LNG (liquefied natural gas). The positive impact on the environmental performance demonstrated by this study was an important reason for TESO to consider both fuels more carefully. The operational reliability, combined with the fuel supply logistics and shipping pattern ultimately pointed in favor of CNG. Furthermore, the choice for CNG will enable TESO to make the switch to the 100% renewable fuel Biomethane in the future.
“Whilst in the canals of Amsterdam there are a number of sightseeing tour boats that already run on natural gas, a project of this size and scale – with a ship that can transport 340 cars and 1.750 passengers is a first in Europe”, PitPoint noted.
