Ferry fleet to switch to gas fuel

Following a major risk analysis carried out by BV together with Brittany Ferries and Tecnitas, the ferry operator decided to switch part of its fleet to gas fuel, and to place an order with shipbuilder STX France for a new large-capacity ro-pax.

Jean Jacques Juenet, passenger ship manager, Bureau Veritas, said: “We are proud to be deeply involved in this major project, not only by performing the required risk analysis for the ships but also together with Brittany Ferries working with the ports they serve on the logistics and bunkering.”

“With a clear picture of the economics and safety issues and certainty about the fuel supply Brittany Ferries was able to take the crucial decision to adapt to new emission rules by making a full switch to gas power,” he added.

The new ship, said to be one of the largest LNG-fuelled ro-pax vessels yet, is to be built under BV class at STX France.

It is designed with capacity for 2,475 passengers and 800 cars, with a service speed of 24.5 knots. It will employ GTT membrane tank technology for the gas containment, which BVsays allows larger fuel capacity and extended periods between bunkering operations.

Three existing ro-pax ferries will, in the future, be converted to run on gas fuel, and the conversion will be overseen by Bureau Veritas.