In Bremerhaven, a vessel under German flag – the car and passenger ferry MS Ostfriesland, owned by AG EMS – was fuelled for the first time ever with low-emission liquefied natural gas (LNG), on April 30, 2015. The initial fuelling of the approximately 94 m long Borkum ferry was conducted by Bomin Linde LNG. After completing safety checks, 40 cubic metres of LNG were transferred into the Borkum ferry’s tank within a short period of time.
“We are very happy about this successful test run, which was carried out safely and quickly under the supervision of Bomin Linde LNG”, said AG EMS Managing Director Dr. Bernard Brons. “This was possible, because the interactions between our partners worked well and Bomin Linde LNG comprehensively prepared and planned the entire fuelling process in advance and obtained all required permits. This first activity will bring us closer to our plan of starting scheduled LNG operations of the MS Ostfriesland in June.“
Günter Eiermann, Technical Director of Bomin Linde LNG, is satisfied: “We look forward to start supplying the ferry with LNG on a regular basis soon. Safe, smooth and fast refuelling will be ensured by the use of innovative technology.”
After the successful initial fuelling, the passenger ferry which was retrofitted to run on LNG by Brennund Verformtechnik Bremen (BVT) will need to perform several dry runs and marine tests during the next weeks. By the middle of the year, the first LNG vessel under German flag can initiate its daily service between Emden and the North Sea island of Borkum. By using LNG the MS Ostfriesland will save more than one million litres of marine gas oil per year.
“Together, Bomin Linde LNG and the shipowner AG EMS have taken a significant step towards the use of liquefied natural gas as a clean and low-cost fuel”, added Robert Howe, Managing Director of bremenports, the operator of the port of Bremerhaven. “This is good news for the German shipping industry.”
(Source: Bomin Linde LNG GmbH & Co. KG)
