Baleària to convert two RoPax ferries to dual-fuel operation

The two sister ships are each powered by two MAN 9L48/60A engines which PrimeServ will convert to 9LF51/60/DF units capable of running on LNG. The move comes as part of the Spanish ferry company’s drive to raise the eco-efficiency of its vessels by using clean fuels.
Speaking for MAN, Dr Thomas Spindler, head of Upgrades and Retrofits at PrimeServ Four-Stroke, commented: “We showed – with the conversion of Wessels Reederei’s Wes Amelie container ship – that operational MAN engines can be successfully converted to LNG operation with a tremendous effect on exhaust emissions and the environment. We are very happy that Baleària has seen fit to bring these benefits to a new segment and application and look forward to the conversion procedure.”
The Nápoles, which operates on the route between Algeciras and Tanger Med, will be converted in Spain between November and January, while conversion work on board the Sicilia will take place between October and December. This vessel operates on the route linking Barcelona and Ibiza.