Baleària is to build an eco-efficient, liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered, smartship ferry that will host solar power generating technology.
The ferry, the first of its kind to be operated by LNG in the Mediterranean, will feature a dual-fuel engine to allow operation with both natural gas and liquid fuel. It will also have solar panels, optimised hull design for power consumption reduction, high efficiency propellers, hull coatings to reduce resistance, LED lighting technology and high level system monitoring.
Furthermore, a variety of smartship features will be integrated into the ferry including, data navigation, meteorology, the ability to use smartphones for accommodation access, and access to entertainment and onboard. The company estimates that 40% reductions of CO2, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur and particulate matter or greater, can be achieved.
The ferry will be built at Aval Shipyard, Spain, and will set off on its first voyage in 2019.
