By
Alice Chambers |
Spanish ferry operator Baleària is to power its dual-engine ships using 100 per cent natural gas to help it cut 80,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by the end of 2023.
The ferry line has been using natural gas for port entries, approaches and stays since October 2021, which has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by up to 30 per cent to date.
Baleària has also added two gas-powered vessels to its fleet including Hedy Lamarr, which debuted in 2022, and cruise ferry Rusadir, which is equipped with an electric propulsion system powered by dual natural gas engines and launched in spring 2023.
In addition, the line will welcome its new fast ferry Margarita Salas in autumn, which is currently being built at Armon shipyard in Gijón, Spain. The ship – which will be 10 per cent more powerful than its sister ship Eleanor Roosevelt – will operate on the Barcelona-Ciutadella-Alcúdia route in Spain from spring 2024.
The fleet, including Margarita Salas, is technologically prepared to consume either biomethane or synthetic methane, as well as green hydrogen mixtures of up to 25 per cent once the fuels become more readily available.