Baleària group plans to order the largest in Mediterranean LNG-powered ferry with LaNaval shipyard
Baleària will build a 'smartship' and eco-efficient gas powered Ferry in LaNaval. The ferry, which will be the largest operating in the Mediterranean and among the largest in the world, is scheduled to start operations in 2019, the shipbuilding company said in a media release.
Baleària is decided to use liquefied natural gas and solar power as energy sources and enhance the experiential journey of the passengers that will build at LaNaval Shipyard. Both companies signed yesterday the shipbuilding contract in which the company from Denia will invest 175 million euros, and providing the option to decide in the coming months, to build a second sister ship. This first vessel is expected to begin operations during 2019 in the Balearic lines.
Chairman of Baleària, Adolfo Utor, said that "with the new ferry we will reinforce the idea of the pleasure of traveling compatible with the respect for the environment" and in this line explained that "we want to establish a before and after in maritime transport, incorporating the latest technology to make the trip a unique experience and to make passengers onboard think in the nex voyage in this Vessel ". Utor added that "the ship also meets the needs of logistics operators, both in service and capacity, which will be key to the viability of the project."
Jose Ignacio Irasuegui, Managing Director of LaNaval states that "the signing of the contract, after months of working together, confirms our strategy of working closely with our customers from the earliest conceptual stages, it’s a milestone that consolidates LaNaval’s positioning in the passenger ship market and, in general, in the design and construction of ships with high technological content. We are convinced that this agreement will be the start of a long-term relationship between LaNaval and Baleària, one of Europe's largest shipping companies in the field of freight and passenger transport. "
Big capacity and length, with gas propulsion
The new vessel will be among the largest in Europe, with a length of 232.2 meters and a beam of 30.4, besides being the first passenger ferry powered by liquefied natural gas in the Mediterranean. The ship can reach a speed of 23 knots thanks to three dual fuel engines, which can be used either with natural gas or liquid fuel, and thus allow the company to reduce by more than 40% CO2, NOx, and avoid emissions of sulfur and other particular matters.
A smartship
The new ferry will not only be innovative because of clean energy and its big capacity, but also for their facilities for passenger service. One smart ship, where customers, with their smartphones or mobile devices can access the accommodation, have tracking systems, access to a wide audiovisual technology in entertainment and cuisine on board, information and booking destinations , data navigation, meteorology, and endless possibilities that the option to interact with the system and intercom with the rest of the passengers are added.
Services on board
The architecture of the ferry prioritizes many open interior and exterior public spaces, incorporating the latest innovations in the cruise market. In addition, the vessel will have all the comforts and services that will transform the trip in an unforgettable experience. Will have a capacity for 1,600 passengers (70% of which can be accommodated in cabins and the rest in armchairs), plus 340 other vehicles. Among the services for passengers including two restaurants, four bars (one outside), a playground, two multipurpose theaters, one outside and one inside, two levels up to 700 people each, two pools and two hot tubs, gym, hairdresser and lounge, library, cinema, etc.
Regarding cargo, the ship will have a capacity of 3,300 lane meters of trucks. During the loading and unloading operations, the vessel will have an automatic anti-heeling system consisting of a pump mechanism allowing redirect the water flow.
Eco-efficient measures
In its commitment to eco-efficiency and innovation as well as the gas propulsion, Baleària will consider energy optimization of all ship systems.
- Installation of solar panels to power all onboard services.
- Design of the hull and appendages to improve the performance and reduce the required power.
- Use of propulsion systems that reduce fuel consumption, such as high efficiency propellers, number of shaft lines, types of rudders, etc.
- Applying coatings for the outside of the ship to reduce its resistance.
- Lighting with LED technology.
- System of regulation of air conditioning units, adapting to the needs of each space.
- System monitoring of the different parameters of the vessel to allow their correct and instantly adjustment to conditions of minimum consumption.
- Installation of variable frequency PTOs to let ship propellers work close to their optimum design point.
About the Baleària group
Baleària shipping company is a leader in passenger and cargo transportation with the Balearic Islands, one of the largest operators in the Straits of Gibraltar and offers services in the Caribbean. The company is a leader in service, innovation and social responsibility in the Spanish shipping sector. The shipping company, which has a fleet of 22 vessels and around1,000 people employed.
About LaNaval
LaNaval is a shipyard dedicated to the design and construction of sophisticated vessels for Offshore Oil & Gas, Offshore Wind, Passenger and Dredging markets. Besides this agreement with Baleària, the current orderbook of LaNaval is a Ro-Pax ferry for TESO, a Cable Lay Vessel for DEME / Tideway and two dredgers for the company Van Oord.
