Emden-based shipping company EMS has completed the test run of its German-flagged car and passenger ferry MS Ostfriesland, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Conducted by LNG supplier Bomin Linde LNG, initial fuelling of the 94m-long vessel involved transfering 40m3 of LNG into the Borkum ferry’s tank within a short period of time.
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EMS managing director Dr Bernard Brons said: "This was possible because the interactions between our partners worked well and Bomin Linde LNG comprehensively prepared and planned the entire fuelling process in advance and obtained all required permits.
"This first activity will bring us closer to our plan of starting scheduled LNG operations of the MS Ostfriesland in June."
MS Ostfriesland, which was retrofitted to run on LNG by Brenn-und Verformtechnik Bremen (BVT), will now undergo several dry runs and marine tests.
Fuelled by LNG, the vessel is expected save more than one million litres of marine gas oil a year, the company stated.
Bremenports managing director Robert Howe said: "Together, Bomin Linde LNG and the shipowner AG EMS have taken a significant step towards the use of LNG as a clean and low-cost fuel.
"This is good news for the German shipping industry."
MS Ostfriesland will sail between Emden and the North Sea island of Borkum, Germany. The vessel is scheduled to start commercial operations by the middle of this year.
