Fiskerstrand to build largest gas-powered ferry yet

Norwegian operator Fjord 1 has placed an order with Fiskerstrand BLRT to build what is believed to be the world’s largest gas-powered ferry.

Multi Maritime has designed the vessel, which will have a total length of 129.9m and a maximum width of 19.2m and will be able to accommodate 242 cars on two decks – or a mix of cars and up to 22 road haulage vehicles – and 600 passengers.

Delivery of the 7,000gt ferry is set for November 2011. The DNV-classed vessel will operate in Norway’s Bokna Fjord between Arsvagen and Mortavika and will provide back-up for the route from Halhjem to Sandvikvag. According to Fjord 1, more than 2 million private cars and vehicles used these ferry services in 2009 and without the new vessel, queues would soon increase to an unacceptable level.

The ferry will have four azimuth thrusters driven by a gas-electric system comprising three large Rolls Royce-supplied LNG motors and AC generators. The propulsion arrangement will provide a service speed of around 20 knots.

Fiskerstrand BLRT is a Norway-registered 50:50 joint venture between Fiskerstrand Verft, based near Ålesund, Norway, and Western Shipyard of Klaipeda, Lithuania, that formed in 2007. Western Shipyard will build the hull and initial equipment for the new ferry and Fiskerstrand Verft will complete the remaining equipment and outfitting work. The passenger ship order book at Fiskerstrand BLRT now stands at seven vessels. This includes five ferries due for completion in 2010 and two in 2011.

Fjord 1 has a long track record of operating environmentally friendly gas-powered ferries. It took delivery of its first, Glutra, in 2000. By the end of 2011 the company will have 12 gas ferries in operation along the Norwegian coast, making it a world leader in this field. PST