Rolls-Royce, Lauro Shipping to design LNG Ro-Pax
Rolls-Royce say it has teamed up with Italy's Lauro Shipping to design new gas powered ferries based on its fuel efficient Environship concept, marking the first time it will be used for a passenger vessel, Ship & Bunker reports.
"This latest development for our Environship concept is proof that there's a genuine desire from ship owners to embrace cutting edge marine technology to reduce environmental impact," said Rolls-Royce President Neil Gilliver. "We look forward to working with Lauro Shipping on this exciting project, which could be the first gas powered ferry operating in the Mediterranean."
Lauro Shipping Chief Executive Salvatore Lauro said: "We're pleased to announce this teaming agreement with Rolls-Royce to jointly develop an innovative, environmentally friendly Ro-Pax ferry design that will meet the latest technological requirements for emissions while reducing fuel consumption and operational costs."
Rolls-Royce say the new ferry concept will include Bergen engines, a wave piercing bow, and a Promas propulsion system which combines a propeller and rudder, reducing drag and enhancing manoeuvrability.
The propulsion system will be the Rolls-Royce Hybrid Shaft Generator (HSG) which produces electrical power from the propulsion engines instead of running auxiliary diesel generators.
This, the company says, optimises on board power generation, cutting fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
Earlier this month Spanish ferry operator Baleària said it is to convert some of its vessels to use liquefied natural gas (LNG) instead of diesel as a way to reduce its fuel-related operating costs.
