Baleària presents the first and most sustainable 'smart fast ferry' in the world at FITUR, powered by dual natural gas engines
The president of Baleària, Adolfo Utor, presented this week at FITUR the construction of the world's first high-speed ship for passengers and cargo powered by dual engines that consume natural gas.
The chief executive of Armon, Laudelino Alperi, the general director of the Merchant Navy, Benito Nuñez, as well as the autonomous presidents of Valencia and Baleares, Ximo Puig and Francina Armengol respectively, have accompanied the president of the shipping company at the event.
This is the third vessel powered by LNG built by Baleària, which this year will incorporate to the fleet two ferries that also sail with this energy: Hypatia of Alexandria, this week, and the Marie Curie, in the next months.
Utor has explained that "The construction of this new fast ferry is a pioneer project worldwide, which we have led together with the Armon shipyards, and in which we have had outstanding international collaborators, such as Wärstilä, Incat Crowther or Marintek".
"This project will allow us to claim Spanish shipbuilding worldwide, as well as generate 300 jobs in Asturias in two years", wanted to highlight the CEO of Armon, Laudelino Alperi.
In the same line has been expressed the general director of the Merchant Navy, Benito Núñez, who has considered that the construction of this vessel "It is very significant because it is a commitment to the Spanish shipping industry".
The President of the Government of the Balearic Islands, Francina Armengol, recalled "that maritime transport in the Balearic Islands has an exceptional interest, allowing the possibility and the right of mobility of residents and tourists".
Finally, the president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Ximo Puig, stressed that the construction of the new vessel "It is very good news". "BaleÃria has always contributed to the cohesion between the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands throughout the Mediterranean and now with this project, in addition, it allows us to create ties with Asturias", has highlighted.
The catamaran of greatest length and efficiency in the world
In addition to being the first fast ferry in the world for passengers and cargo powered by dual natural gas engines, it will also be the largest operating length currently available. Specifically, the vessel will have 123 meters of length and 28 of beam, capacity for 1.200 passengers and a hold that can house 500 ml of trucks and 250 passenger cars, or alternatively 450 passenger cars.
Smart ship technology combined with interior design will provide a comfortable, friendly and innovative passenger experience throughout the travel process, from the purchase, to boarding and the experience of the journey. In addition, during the channel tests, the shapes of the ship have been specially designed to reduce the vertical acceleration considerably, resulting in more comfortable cruises, reducing vibrations and noise to unprecedented optimum levels.