LNG retrofit ferry

Port of Barcelona is throwing its weight behind the LNG retrofit of a ferry which has recently been inaugerated at the port.

Baleària’s Abel Matutes apparently marks the first time that an LNG engine has been used in a Mediterranean passenger ship.

Gas Natural Fenosa and Baleària developed and installed the auxiliary engine, as well as a 30m3 LNG tank on the ferry, which operates the daily Barcelona – Palma de Mallorca route.

Daniel López Jordà, Gas Natural Fenosa’s general director of retail business, explained: “The project is an important commitment of our company for innovation, with the aim of achieving a better air quality, both urban and for the port area.”

He added: “Natural gas will be a key player in the coming years in the transport sector, for its clear contribution to reducing emissions and particulate matter.”

The new LNG engine is integrated in the ship’s electrical plant, allowing operation with any of the auxiliaries. The vessel consumes natural gas in the approach and exit manoeuvres in and out of the port and electrical energy is used during the time it is docked.

Abel Matutes has a capacity of 900 people and 2,235 linear metres of roll cargo. With the implementation of this system, emission reductions and annual savings of around 4,000 tonnes of CO2, more than 60 tonnes of NOx and six tonnes of SOx are achieved.

The retrofit project forms part of the Cleanport initiative and is co-financed by the European Union through the CEF-Transport programme.