BV to class Brittany Ferries gas-fueled ROpax newbuild

MARCH 10, 2014 — The 2,474 passenger/800 car LNG fueled ferry ordered by Brittany Ferries from shipbuilder STX France SA will be classed by Bureau Veritas which will also oversee the conversion of three existing Brittany Ferries ROpax vessels to LNG.

A major risk analysis carried out by Bureau Veritas and its Tecnitas subsidiary helped Brittany Ferries reach its decision to switch part of its fleet to gas fuel.

“We are proud to be deeply involved in this major project, not only by performing the required risk analysis for the ships but also together with Brittany Ferries working with the ports they serve on the logistics and bunkering,” said Jean Jacques Juenet, passenger ship manager, Bureau Veritas. “With a clear picture of the economics and safety issues and certainty about the fuel supply Brittany Ferries was able to take the crucial decision to adapt to new emission rules by making a full switch to gas power.”

The 24.5 knot ship newbuild be one of the largest LNG-powered ROpaxes yet. It will utilize GTT membrane tank technology for the gas containment tanks, allowing a larger capacity and extended period between bunkering operations.