New order for Norwegian gas-fuelled ferries

The ships, to be built by the Remontowa Shipyard in Gdansk, Poland for delivery in the second half of 2012, will be the first to feature the Rolls-Royce hybrid shaft generator (HSG). They will be powered by Bergen lean-burn gas engines and employ the company’s Promas low-drag and high-thrust integrated propeller and rudder system. The energy-saving technologies are claimed to offer a reduction in CO2 emissions of around 40% compared to conventional vessels.

The HSG system varyies engine and propeller speed to reduce fuel comsumption and consequently lower emissions. Unlike conventional shaft generator systems which operate at fixed engine speed, the HSG allows shaft speed to be reduced, while maintaining a constant frequency for the electrical supply throughout the ship.

The ferries will serve two routes across Vestfjorden in Lofoten in the north of Norway, a stretch of water known for its harsh conditions.

Oddbjørn Eliassen, Rolls-Royce, president – merchant said: “Rolls-Royce is a global leader in the supply of energy efficient technologies which enable ship operators to address the environmental challenges they face. These ferries will combine a range of cutting edge technologies to deliver significant improvements in fuel efficiency and reductions in emissions.”