Spanish shipping company Baleària is set to invest €60m to convert five of its existing ferries to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Scheduled to be completed over the next two years, the conversion is set to reduce emissions and expand Baleària’s fleet of eco-efficient vessels.

The ferries that will undergo conversion are Naples, Abel Matutes, Sicily, Bahama Mama, and Martin i Soler.

Once completed, the retrofitting is expected to reduce more than 45,000t of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, 4,400t of nitrogen oxide (NOx), as well as completely eliminate sulphur and particulate emissions.

Baleària in a statement said: “The first of the ships in the fleet that will adapt to gas propulsion will be the Naples ferry, since it is expected that these works will be undertaken during the wintering of this winter.”

“The retrofitting is expected to reduce more than 45,000t of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually.”

Baleària is also examining two other LNG projects and is building two smart ships at the Visentini shipyard in Italy, the first of which is slated to enter service by February.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Baleària president Adolfo Utor said LNG is the most environmentally friendly fossil fuel, which the company plans to use to power nine of its ships in three years.

Baleària is also one of the founding members of the Spanish Association of Natural Gas for Mobility (GASNAM), which was formed in 2013.

The company has strategic agreements with Naturgy for an exclusive LNG subminister contract for ten years, as well as Rolls Royce and Wärtsilä for building engines.

Last year, Baleària launched its first LNG energy generator on a passenger ship named Abel Matutes.