Swedish operator orders LNG fueled ferry

NOVEMBER 14, 2014 — Sweden’s Rederi AB Gotland has signed a contract worth SEK 1 billion (about US $134.7 million) with China’s Guangzhou Shipyard International for an LNG fueled passenger/cargo ferry.

On delivery in 2017, the 1,650 passenger ferrry will be the first Swedish-flagged passenger vessel to operate on LNG.

Rederi AB Gotland says it has had a successful relationship with GSI Shipyard since 1999, when it signed a contract for its current M/S Visby and M/S Gotland, which were delivered in 2003. Its Gotland Tankers unit has since taken delivery of six products tankers from the shipbuilder between 2006 and 2012.

It says that during the design process for the LNG fueled ferry, much work has gone into create optimal hull lines with optimum energy consumption and environmental impact. The concept of the ship is a further development of the existing SF1500 ships with improved energy and environmental effects along with increased comfort, such as an additional recliner lounge on Deck 8.

The ship is the largest single largest investment in the company’s 150-year history. The company is now working to insure that the necessary infrastructure is in place for the new ship on delivery, including LNG supply.