French ferry and holiday company Brittany Ferries has announced that it had placed an order for a new cruise ferry[ds_preview] which will be powered by LNG. According to the company, it will be the largest yet and one of the biggest vessels in the world of its kind. In addition, Brittany Ferries pointed out that the newbuild will also be the cleanest, most environmentally-friendly ship to operate in UK waters, because LNG emits about 25% less carbon dioxide during combustion than marine fuel oil and burns with no smoke. It is entirely free of sulphur and very low in nitrogen oxide emissions.
Brittany Ferries and STX France have been co-operating for two years on a study regarding the feasibility of powering a cruise ferry by LNG. The ship, costing some 270mill. €, will be built at STX France in St. Nazaire. It is planned that it will enter service in late spring 2017.
The new vessel will replace the »Pont-Aven«, which will move to the Portsmouth–St. Malo route. Operating on the longer routes between UK and Spain, the new vessel will have many features of »Pont-Aven«, such as an indoor swimming pool, two cinemas, restaurants, and so on. In addition, she will have 30 pet-friendly cabins, an observation area, a teenager zone, two children’s play areas, and a sophisticated spa treatment room with panoramic views. According to Brittany Ferries, the latest technology will be applied and free Wi-Fi will be available in every cabin and throughout the ship. The vessel will be fitted out with entertainment features prominently, three stylish bars and a high-tech stage area. Mike Bevens, group commercial director of Brittany Ferries, comments: »This represents a huge investment which will benefit not simply our customers but the environment as well.«
