The ferry will use dual-fuel engines powered by natural gas and by a high-efficiency electric motor, which will reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 20 %. Furthermore, pollution by NOX and SOX will be almost eliminated.
First announced in 2011, the vessel is being designed by STX France, under PEGASIS (Power Efficient Gas Innovation Ship) project, an innovative gas propulsion system developed by STX for passenger ships, reported Marine Log.
Jean-Marc Roué, president of Brittany Ferries supervisory council, said that with MARPOL limits on heavy fuel starting to take effect from January 1, 2015, the company is looking at a 2017 delivery date for the new ferry, which is the first step in renewal of its fleet to future environmental standards.
