By
Alex Smith |
Dutch ferry operator Rederij Doeksen’s new LNG catamaran, Willem Barentsz, has entered service on the route between the islands of Vlieland and Terschelling.
The vessel is the first single-fuel LNG ferry in the Netherlands and the first in the world with single-fuel, direct-drive LNG engines powering fixed rudder propellers. The two 16-cylinder MTU series 4000 engines, delivered by Rolls Royce Power Systems, have a capacity of 1492 kilowattsand enable the ferries to reach speeds of up to 14 knots. The new LNG ferry will significantly reduce harmful emissions, according to the operator.
“Willem Barentsz differs from its predecessors in many ways,” said Paul Mellens, CEO of Rederij Doeksen. “For its design, we continuously focused on the guest experience and the vulnerable Wadden Sea ecosystem, which is also a Unesco World Heritage Site. Willem Barentsz is an efficient, lightweight, LNG catamaran with low emissions and an interior with facilities that contribute to the island experience of our loyal guests.”
The catamaran includes a residual heat recovery system, which makes use of the heat generated by the engine’s exhaust gases to power an electrical generator. The two Orcan units generate a maximum yield of 70 kW, supplying the entire energy demand for the bow thruster installation. This will result in 318 fewer tonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted for each unit, saving 260,000 litres of fuel per year.
The two vessels were developed from preliminary to production design by BMT Group.
“As always, developing an entirely aluminium ship that complies with national regulations generally based on steel constructions has been a challenge,” said Sylvain Julien, director of naval architecture at BMT. “Even so, in addition to a meticulously optimised hull form, the final result shows the advantages in terms of low energy consumption and, specifically for the ferry routes carried out by Rederij Doeksen, the low operational draught.”
Dutch yacht design studio Vripack carried out the design for the interior and exterior of the vessels.
“The passenger takes centre stage during the concept development process,” said Marnix Hoekstra, partner and co-creative director at Vripack. “It was important that the Wadden Islands and the feeling that they evoke were reflected in the exterior and interior. The Wadden as a living painting inspired us to create our own organic design language for the new ship. This creates a clear passenger flow, and it attunes the functions of the different spaces to a variety of groups and individuals. By focusing on the passenger, the crossing becomes a fuller experience.”
Willem Barentsz will be joined by sister ship Willem de Vlamingh on the route in September.