Rolon Plata II has an active control system with SCR to reduce NOx emissions by 70%
A Spanish ferry group has brought the first IMO Tier III-compliant harbour tug into service in the Mediterranean region.
Baleària acquired a stan tug from Damen Shipyards to support its ferry operations and emergency response in the Balearic Islands.
Rolon Plata II began operations in the harbour of Ciutadella, Menorca on 26 June 2019, to assist passenger and freight ferries into and out of the port.
This harbour vessel was built to a Damen Stan Tug 1606 E3 design, initially for stock. It was sold to Baleària and completed within four weeks of the contract being signed.
To align with IMO Tier III compliance, Rolon Plata II has an advanced active emissions control system. This uses selective catalytic reduction technology to reduce nitrogen oxides by around 70% compared to a conventional vessel.
Baleària needed a low-emissions tug to operate in Menorca as this island is a biosphere reserve and tourist centre.
The owner has committed itself to increased sustainability in its operations, in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It has already ordered new passenger ships with dual-fuel LNG propulsion and has committed to converting its existing vessels.
“This next-generation tug will be able to meet the needs of all operators, as well as being available for salvage and rescue in the area,” said Baleària general director of operations, Ettore Morace.
To achieve these additional environmental requirements, Damen outfitted Rolon Plata II with a fire-fighting system and oil recovery equipment.
Damen designed the active emissions control system to be compact and easy to fit during the shipbuilding process or as a retrofit for tugs and other vessels.
Applying the system on board this 16-m stan tug gives the vessel Damen’s E3 accreditation, being environmentally friendly, efficient in operation and economically viable.
Baleària operates ferries on routes in Spain, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and North Africa.
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