The Hypatia de Alejandría de Baleària, the first ship powered by LNG in the Mediterranean, made its first commercial trip between Barcelona and Palma. The ferry arrived on January 27 at the port of Barcelona, coming from Venice.
According to the president of Baleària, Adolfo Utor, the Hypatia of Alexandria marks an important milestone both for Baleària and the Mediterranean, as it is the first passenger ferry powered by natural gas in the area.
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In addition to Hypatia de Alejandría, its twin Marie Curie will follow, as well as the Eleanor Roosevelt; the world’s first ferry for passengers and cargo powered by dual engines that consume natural gas.
Baleària has invested 200 million euros in the construction of the first two vessels, in order for them to be propelled by dual LNG and fuel engines.
The ship is 186.5 meters in length and can accommodate 880 people, as well as 166 vehicles. Baleària plans to have, in the next three years, at least half of its fleet of ferries navigating with clean energy, aiming to reach 100% of the fleet within a period of ten years.
As for the Port of Barcelona, the entry into service of the Hypatia de Alejandría meets the initiatives included in its Air Quality Improvement Plan. This plan aspires to reduce emissions produced by port activity and minimize its impact on the environment.
Under this plan, the promotion of LNG as an alternative fuel for ships, terminal machinery and trucks is one of the key elements. Other key points of the plan include the promotion of electric mobility and bonuses to more sustainable and energy efficient ships.
