Largest LNG high-speed catamaran
The largest ever LNG high-speed catamaran is being built at the Armon Gijón shipyard in Spain for Spanish ferry operator Baleària.
“This ferry will very much shape the future for high-speed, gas powered, catamarans and trimarans. This completely new design, which optimizes the performance of the ship, not only in terms of speed but also in seakeeping, and which utilises Wärtsilä’s LNG technology, makes this a breakthrough vessel. The use of LNG allows us to fulfil our commitment to the environment and to energy efficiency, while also keeping us one step ahead of the new pollutant gas reduction regulations scheduled for 2020,” says Juan M. Paino, CTO of Armón.
The ability of Wärtsilä to deliver a fully integrated scope, including the engines, the waterjets, and the LNG fuel storage and supply system, together with all the related auxiliary systems, was an important option for both the owner and shipyard.
“Baleària’s strategic commitment to LNG responds to criteria of social responsibility and economic profitability. The axiom, less pollution, greater economic profitability, works fully with liquefied natural gas,” says the CEO of Baleària, Adolfo Utor,
The vessel will operate on four highly efficient Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines, four Wärtsilä waterjets, and the Wärtsilä LNGPac fuel gas storage and supply system. It will have a service speed of 35 knots, and a top speed of more than 40 knots. The storage tanks give the ferry a range of 400 nautical miles. The equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard in the latter half of 2019.
When delivered, the ferry will be capable of carrying 1200 passengers and 500 cars, or trucks covering a length of 500 metres plus 250 cars. Baleària will invest 90 million euros in the construction of this fast ferry, which is scheduled to start the aluminium cut next December and to enter into service in the summer of 2020.
By Jake Frith
