Gas-powered ship to mark ‘new era in ferry travel’
The French ferry and holiday company said the environmentally friendly low-emissions vessel — which will be the largest in its fleet and one of the biggest such vessels in the world — will replace its flagship, the Pont-Aven.
The Pont-Aven will move to the Portsmouth to St Malo route.
The new ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and will be built by STX France in St Nazaire.
Brittany Ferries and STX France have been working for two years on a feasibility study into using LNG to power a cruise ferry.
The 12-deck, 2,474-passenger vessel will emit about 25% less carbon dioxide than marine fuel oil-powered engines, will be free of sulphur, and will be very low in nitrogen oxide emissions.
As well as the Cork-Roscoff route, the vessel will also operate some of the longer routes between Britain and Spain.
Its delivery will mark a new era in ferry travel, according to group commercial director, Mike Bevens.
“This represents a huge investment which will benefit not simply our customers but the environment as well,” he said.
“Unlike other forms of transport, such as aircraft or trains, every one of our ships is different, each possessing its own unique character. This addition to our fleet will be no exception, but will incorporate all the best features of our other vessels so as to provide our customers with a truly exceptional experience.”
The vessel will have an indoor swimming pool, two cinemas, restaurants, pet kennels, a reading lounge, an observation area, and a sophisticated spa treatment room with panoramic views
The ship will also have 30 pet-friendly cabins and free wifi in every cabin and throughout the ship.
- Length: 210m
- Width: 32m
- Draught: 7m
- Gross tonnage: 52,500
- Maximum speed: 24.5 knots
- Dual fuel propulsion capability with marine gas oil as back up
- 12 decks
- 2,474 passengers
- 189 crew
- 675 cabins, including 12 commodore suites with their own balcony, 51 deluxe cabins, 30 pet-friendly cabins, and 15 wheelchair-accessible cabins
- Can carry 800 cars, or a mix of 325 cars plus 80 freight units
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