German ferry operator AG Ems has started using its converted LNG-powered passenger ferry, Münsterland, on the route between the Dutch Eemshaven to the German island of Borkum.
The firm said that the 1986-built Münsterland started serving the route on April 9 after around 16 months of conversion works at Dutch shipyard Royal Niestern Sander in Delfzijl.
According to AG EMS, the investment in the conversion project, backed by Germany’s Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, totaled about 19 million euros ($20.7 million).
This is the firm’s third LNG-powered ferry. Münsterland joins sister ship Ostfriesland, claimed to be Europe’s first converted LNG ferry.
AG Ems also operates Helgoland, Germany’s first newbuild LNG-powered ferry.
The conversion works on the 94 meters long Münsterland included adding dual-fuel engines, a type C LNG storage tank, installations, pipelines, and other systems.
It now features two Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel generating sets and its LNGPac system.
Also, the vessel’s LNG tank is a bit bigger than the 45-cbm tank installed in Ostfriesland.
Münsterland’s LNG tank has a capacity of 53-cbm, according to AG Ems.