Helgoland LNG ferry makes maiden voyage
The passenger ferry built at the Fr. Fassmer shipyard in Germany and owned by Reederei Cassen Eils GmbH, will operate between Cuxhaven and the Island of Helgoland.
This route takes the vessel close to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wadden Sea National Park, an ecologically sensitive area in the south-eastern part of the North Sea. So the ferry will play its part in reducing exhaust gas emissions in the area.
“We are very proud to be operating the first newbuild German vessel fuelled by LNG. Compared to conventional diesel fuel, this ship will produce 20% less CO2, 90% less NOx, and almost zero SOx and particulates, said Dr Bernhard Brons, managing director of Reederei Cassen Eils GmbH and CEO of AG EMS.
In addition to the propulsion machinery comprised of the two 9-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF medium-speed dual-fuel engines, two gearboxes and two controllable pitch propellers, Wärtsilä has also supplied its LNGPac fuel bunkering and gas supply system with related safety and automation systems.
Of special note is the use of Wärtsilä’s patented Cold Recovery System, which utilises the latent heat of LNG for the ship’s air conditioning systems, thereby reducing the amount of electricity consumed in cooling compressors.
The handover of the ferry was originally due to take place in spring, but its July maiden voyage was cancelled at the last minute. This was apparently due to commissioning problems connected with the ship’s innovative LNG systems unrelated to Wärtsilä’s scope of supply.
