Spanish ferry operator Baleària is set to start the construction of a new dual-fuel RoPax fast ferry at Astilleros Armon’s Gijon shipyard in Spain.
The 125m-long and 28m-wide ferry will feature an Incat Crowther 125 design.
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Powered by four dual-fuel Wartsila 16V31DF main engines of 8,800kW each, the ferry will carry 500 cars and 1,200 passengers.
The ferry will use liquefied natural gas (LNG) for propulsion, supporting the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 30% and nitrogen oxide (NOx) by 35%. Elimination of sulfur and particles will improve air quality and minimise greenhouse emissions.
Spain-based Oliver Design has developed improved passenger spaces for the vessel that are divided into dedicated zones and offer various facilities, including bars and a market / food court.
Delivery of the vessel is scheduled for 2020.
In a statement, Incat Crowther said: “As well as state-of-the-art amenity, passengers will be offered a high level of comfort.
“Motions have been reduced with the latest iteration of Incat Crowther’s proven hull form, coupled with an operation-specific center bow design.
“A retractable centre T-foil will also be used to smooth the ride, while an isolated superstructure reduces the transmission of noise and vibration to the passenger spaces.”
Baleària is expected to invest €90m to build the ferry, with aluminum cutting planned to take place in December next year.
Construction of the ferry represents Baleària’s smart maritime concept that involves the application of new technologies, big data and artificial intelligence.
Baleària is also finalising the construction of the first two smart ships with LNG engines that will operate in the Mediterranean.
