Brittany Ferries set to order LNG fueled ferry

DECEMBER 26, 2013 — Roscoff, France, headquartered Brittany Ferries said earlier this month that it is “about to sign” a contract with shipbuilder STX France, Saint Nazaire, for the construction of the world’s largest LNG fueled ferry.

Jean-Marc Roué, president of Brittany Ferries supervisory council, says that with MARPOL limits on heavy fuel starting to take effect from January 1, 2015, Brittany Ferries is looking at a 2017 delivery date for the new ferry.

The ferry is being studied under the Saint-Nazaire shipyard’s Pegasis (Power Efficient Gas Innovation Ship) project, a gas propulsion system developed by STX France for passenger ships.

It was first announced back in March 2011. At that time, Brittany Ferries said the ship would by dual fuel engines combined with a high efficiency electric propulsion system to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions by 15 – 20% compared to current ferries and almost completely eliminating NOX and SOX emissions.

Brittany Ferries said then that “the structure will make use of lighter compound materials and high strength glues, together with an advanced hull design” and that the ship would accommodate 2,400 passengers, 650 cars and 40 trucks and have a maximum speed of 25 knots.

The concept illustration from the STX France website shown here shows what may, or may not, be the new Brittany Ferries ship.