First fuelling for German LNG ferry

The 94m ferry, which is owned by AG EMS, is the first LNG-fuelled ferry in Germany. The initial fuelling was carried out by Bomin Linde LNG, which after completing safety checks, transferred 40 cubic metres of LNG.

“We are very happy about this successful test run, which was carried out safely and quickly under the supervision of Bomin Linde LNG”, said Dr Bernard Brons, managing director, EMS. “This was possible, because the interactions between our partners worked well and Bomin Linde LNG comprehensively prepared and planned the entire fuelling process in advance and obtained all required permits. This first activity will bring us closer to our plan of starting scheduled LNG operations of the MS Ostfriesland in June.”

After the successful initial fuelling, the passenger ferry which was retrofitted to run on LNG by Brennund Verformtechnik Bremen (BVT) will need to perform several dry runs and marine tests during the coming weeks.

By mid-2015, MS Ostfriesland can begin its daily service between Emden and the North Sea island of Borkum. By using LNG, MS Ostfriesland is expected to save more than one million litres of marine gas oil per year.

“Together, Bomin Linde LNG and the shipowner AG EMS have taken a significant step towards the use of liquefied natural gas as a clean and low-cost fuel”, added Robert Howe, managing director, Bremenports, the operator of the port of Bremerhaven. “This is good news for the German shipping industry.”