Three new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-fuelled rail ferries are to be built by a Russian shipyard in Kaliningrad to work on the sea line connecting the most western Russian port of Baltiysk in the Kaliningrad region to the port of Ust-Luga (Leningrad region). The provision of a direct link with Russia will avoid the cost of increased tariffs for railway transportation through Lithuania and Belarus.
Although two vessels are currently working the route, shipping about two million tons per year, the new ferries will provide much needed additional capacity. The proposed single-deck ice-class ferries will be able to accommodate 66 wagon units. Their speed will be 18-21 knots.
The total cost of the ferries, yet to be secured, is expected to be RUB 12.6 billion (approx. USD 193 million). Completion is planned for 2018.
Gazpromneft Marine Bunker is the likely developer of LNG marine bunker infrastructure.
At the Russian Marine Industry Forum in Moscow this week, it was suggested that LNG bunkering vessels may also be developed, according to IAA Port News.
(Source: Government of Kaliningrad)
