LaNaval to build Baleària eco-ferries

Under the agreement, expected to be finalized in the next two months, the first vessel will be built from next year with delivery by the first quarter of 2018. The shipyard valued the deal at €350 million.

Although particulars have not been released, LaNaval said the dual-fuel ships will be among the biggest ferries operating in Europe. They are intended to offer a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions compared with conventionally fueled vessels.

Adolfo Utor, chairman, Baleària, said: “These ferries will be very technologically advanced and innovative units, based not only on the propulsion system but also incorporating systems onboard allowing to be more eco-efficient, together with a better service and comfort for our clients.”

Iñaki Irasuegui, managing director, LaNaval, added: “Gaining a new strategic client like Baleària consolidates our company’s strategy in the ferry market and, in general, in the design and construction of technologically advance and sophisticated ships.”

The newbuild orders follow Baleària’s decision to convert ro-ro ferry Abel Mutates to LNG power, with the retrofitted vessel to begin service towards the end of 2016.