First newbuild LNG-fueled German seagoing vessel had maiden voyage

The first ever newbuild LNG-powered German seagoing vessel, which is powered by a complete Wärtsilä LNG propulsion solution, had its maiden voyage on December 11. The ship has been built at the Fr. Fassmer shipyard in Germany and is owned by ReedereiCassenEils GmbH, a member of the AG EMS group of companies.

The passenger ferry will operate between Cuxhaven and the island of Helgoland. This route takes the vessel close to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wadden Sea National Park, an ecologically sensitive area in the south-eastern part of the North Sea. Because of the need to minimise exhaust gas emissions in this area, the ferry will operate primarily on LNG using two 9-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF medium-speed dual-fuel engines.

“Compared to conventional diesel fuel, this ship will produce 20% less CO2, 90% less NOx, and almost zero SOx and particulates. Thanks to Wärtsilä’s dual-fuel technology with built in redundancy, the vessel can operate efficiently and without restrictions in the Wadden Sea National Park. Furthermore, it was very important for us to select a reliable and experienced partner who was able to deliver a complete propulsion package,” said Bernhard Brons, Managing Director of ReedereiCassenEils GmbH and CEO of AG EMS.

In addition to the propulsion machinery comprised of the two engines, two gearboxes and two controllable pitch propellers, Wärtsilä has also supplied its LNGPac fuel bunkering and gas supply system with related safety and automation systems. Of special note is the use of Wärtsilä’s patented Cold Recovery System, which utilises the latent heat of LNG for the ship’s air conditioning systems, thereby reducing the amount of electricity consumed in cooling compressors. This provides significant operational savings and an increase in overall vessel efficiency.

https://www.ngvjournal.com/germanys-first-newbuild-lng-powered-seagoing-vessel-had-maiden-voyage/