Balearia’s LNG-powered fast ferry wraps up first bunkering op

Spain’s Balearia should soon take delivery of its LNG-powered fast ferry Eleanor Roosevelt following the completion of the vessel’s first bunkering operation.

The Spanish ferry operator said the operation took place in the port of Gijon where shipbuilder Armon Gijon is finalizing the construction of the ship.

In addition, Balearia joined forces with ESK and Repsol for the first LNG supply to the vessel claimed to be the world’s first LNG-powered fast ferry for passengers and cargo.

The vessel would now undergo gas trials, according to Balearia.

Balearia’s LNG-powered fast ferry wraps up first bunkering op
Image: Balearia

To remind, Balearia said in early March the firm had expected to take delivery of the vessel by the end of the previous month.

This means that the delivery has been slightly delayed. Balearia did not provide a new timeline when it expects Armon Gijon to hand over the LNG-powered ferry, but it would probably take place later this month.

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, the Spanish shipping firm says.

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 previously said it invested about 90 million euros ($105.8 million) in this “pioneering smart” ship. Along with four conversions, this is the third LNG-powered newbuild in its fleet.

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.

Most Popular

Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG to commission third jetty

US LNG exporter Venture Global LNG has received approval from the US FERC to introduce hazardous fluids to the third jetty at its Plaquemines LNG export plant in Louisiana.

KARMOL’s FSRU named in Singapore

KARMOL, a joint venture of Turkiye's Karpowership and Japan's MOL, has named its latest floating storage and regasification unit at Seatrium's yard in Singapore.

Vietnam’s Cai Mep LNG terminal gets commissioning cargo

Nebula Energy’s AG&P LNG and Vietnam's Hai Linh have received the first commissioning cargo at their Cai Mep LNG import terminal in Vietnam, according to shipping data.

More News Like This

Wartsila to support Balearia’s LNG-powered ferry

Finland’s Wartsila has signed a deal with Spanish ferry operator Balearia to support the latter’s LNG-powered ferry, Margarita Salas. According...

Second LNG-powered fast ferry joins Balearia’s fleet

Spanish shipping firm Balearia has taken delivery of its second LNG dual-fuel fast ferry, Margarita Salas, from compatriot shipbuilder...

Balearia’s second LNG-powered fast ferry nears delivery

Spanish shipping firm Balearia expects to take delivery of its second LNG dual-fuel fast ferry, Margarita Salas, at the...

Barcelona LNG bunkering volumes hit record high

The Spanish port of Barcelona reported a new record in its yearly LNG bunkering volumes due to lower prices...