Spanish Operator, Baleària, is to build the first eco-efficient ferry powered by natural gas and solar energy to be built at LaNaval Shipyard.
The ferry will be one of the largest operating in the Mediterranean and among the largest ferries in the world with a length of 232.2 metres and a beam of 30.4 metres. It is scheduled to start operations in 2019 in the Balearic lines.
The ship is expected to reach a speed of 23 knots thanks to three dual fuel engines, which can be used either with natural gas or liquid fuel. This allows the company to reduce CO2, NOx, and avoid emissions of sulphur and other particular matters by more than 40 per cent.
"We want to establish a before and after in maritime transport, incorporating the latest technology to make the trip a unique experience and to make passengers onboard think of the next voyage in this vessel," said chairman of Baleària, Adolfo Utor.
"The ship also meets the needs of logistics operators, both in service and capacity, which will be key to the viability of the project," he added
The agreement between the two companies provides the option for the building of a second sister ship and sees Baleària invest €175 million (US$195 million).
