Baleària plans to incorporate an internationally innovative ship in March 2021: the world’s first fast ferry for passengers and cargo powered by natural gas engines. In the coming weeks, the Eleanor Roosevelt will carry out sea trials at the Armón shipyards in Gijón, where she is being built. The armament of the ship’s hull is practically completed and tests have been carried out on the access ramp for vehicles and cargo.
“The works are progressing and in a few months one of the most innovative and sustainable vessels in the world will be in operation. Its addition into the fleet will be a milestone in Baleària’s history, but also in international maritime transport,” said Guillermo Alomar, Baleària’s Fleet Director. “The innovations that she incorporates will greatly reduce movement, vibrations and noise,” he added.
With an investment of 90 million euros, the Eleanor Roosevelt will also be the longest fast ferry in the world (123 meters). It will have capacity for 1,200 passengers and a warehouse for 500 linear meters of trucks and 250 cars, or alternatively 450 cars. The vessel will have a service speed of 35 knots (with a maximum speed greater than 40 knots). Moreover, she has measurement equipment to monitor the actual fuel consumption, calculate the efficiency of the engines and adjust the navigation to increase comfort according to the state of the sea.
In addition to being the world’s first ferry of its kind with dual fuel LNG engines, she will also be innovative thanks to the smart ship technological improvements that she incorporates, which will guarantee a better experience for customers on board.
The Eleanor Roosevelt will be the flagship of Baleària’s natural gas fleet strategy, which in 2021 will reach nine ships (it currently sails with six LNG ferries and is converting one more). The shipping company has invested 380 million euros to adopt LNG, a fuel that represents a considerable reduction in emissions (with an immediate improvement in air quality and the greenhouse effect) and noise pollution.
Source: Baleària
