Balearia’s fleet of dual-fuel vessels is now 100 percent powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), as prices of the fuel dropped significantly from record highs last year.
The Spanish ferry operator said in a statement this week that it has recently increased the use of LNG in its fleet of ten dual-fueled vessels to 100 percent.
Balearia estimates that this will allow it to reduce emitting about 80,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere between June 1 and the end of the year.
Due to very high prices, Balearia drastically reduced LNG use to power its ships last year to 36,936 MWh, according to its sustainability report. This compares to 698,531 MWh in 2021,
In October 2021, in order to avoid losing competitiveness, Baleria continued to use this “cleaner energy” only on port entries, approaches, and stays in port, it said in the statement.
Balearia noted that, despite the temporary reduction in the use of LNG due to the “adverse” circumstances, the company has maintained its commitment to this fuel, which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 30 percent.
This includes ordering a new LNG-powered fast ferry last year at compatriot shipbuilder Armon Gijon, following the delivery of its Eleanor Roosevelt in April 2021.
The firm expects the new ship, Margarita Salas, to start operations in 2024.
Balearia also said it has chartered the LNG-powered vessel, Rusadir.
Besides these vessels, Balearia owns two other LNG-powered newbuilds and six converted LNG ferries.
Following the delivery of the second fact ferry, the shipping firm will have eleven LNG-powered vessels in its fleet, it said.