Spanish Balearia has launched the Eleanor Roosevelt, claimed to be world’s first LNG-powered fast ferry for passengers and cargo.
Armon Gijon shipyard in Spain hosted the launching ceremony on Friday for the vessel scheduled to start operations in the first quarter of 2021.
The ferry features four Wartsila dual-fuel engines of 8,800kW each, allowing it to reach an operating speed of 35 knots.
Equipped with two LNG storage tanks, the twin-hull catamaran will have an autonomy to sail up to 400 nautical miles.
In the case of combined LNG/diesel propulsion, this increases to 1,900 nautical miles.
Furthermore, the Incat-designed ship is 123 meters long with a 28 meters beam. It will have a capacity to welcome 1200 passengers as well as 450 cars.
Balearia said it invested about 90 million euros ($106 million) in this “pioneering smart” ship. Along four conversions, this is the third LNG-powered newbuild in its fleet.
To remind, the ferry operator plans to have a fleet of nine LNG-powered vessels by the end of 2021 with a total investment of 380 million euros ($447 million).