Brittany Ferries has confirmed it’s order for a new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) powered cruise ferry with a budget of around £175m (USD222m). The confirmation follows the signing of a Letter of Intent at the start of 2017. The LNG ferry will operate on the company’s busiest route from Portsmouth, UK to Caen in north western France with a planned arrival in spring 2019.
The new ship will be named Honfleur after the charming seaside destination on the Seine estuary in Normandy. First details have been revealed today after contracts were signed with the Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellshaft shipyard in Germany.
She will be powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas) and promises to be the most environmentally-friendly vessel operating on the English Channel. LNG emits less carbon dioxide than diesel following combustion and burns with no smoke. It is entirely free of sulphur and produces very low emissions of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter.
In LNG-electric propulsion, four engines feed electric generators and two electric propulsion motors. This quieter and more efficient form of power delivery reduces vibration, meaning an even smoother ride for passengers.
Christophe Mathieu CEO of Brittany Ferries said: “It is important that we invest in new technologies and new vessels that respect the environment in which we operate. Equally, we must not forget that our customers expect Brittany Ferries ships to be comfortable, relaxing and adapted to the digital age. These objectives are compatible and I believe Honfleur will set a new standard for ferries operating on the Channel.”
Innovation goes beyond the powertrain. The Honfleur’s features will include free Wi-Fi in all cabins and public spaces, a digital information lounge, two cinemas, boutique shopping, à la carte restaurant, a self-service facility, café and bar serving light snacks, and showcase original works of art by local artists.
Upon Honfleur’s arrival, Brittany Ferries’ cruise-ferry Normandie will move east to serve the Portsmouth-Le Havre route.
Technical specifications:
Length: 187.4 metres
Breadth: 31 metres
Max Draught: 6.6 metres
Tonnage: 42,400 gross tons
Max speed: 22 knots
Decks: 11
Passengers: 1,680
Passenger cabins: 257
Passenger areas: 5,200 m2
Vehicle capacity: 2,600 lane metres (130 freight trailers, or 550 cars and 64 freight trailers)
(Source: Brittany Ferries)
