Lloyd’s Register (LR) has announced that it will be working with Stena Line Ferries on a project to retrofit two fast roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels, the Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII, with dual fuel propulsion systems running on methanol and marine gasoil.
Two out of the four main engines in each vessel will be converted to run on both methanol and MGO, while the ship’s bunkering, storage, fuel supply and supporting systems will also be adapted for methanol.
The Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast, which operate on the Scotland to Northern Ireland route between Cairnryan and Belfast, will also be transferring class to LR.
LR said that the Stena Germanica, which is Stena Line’s only retrofitted methanol vessel currently in service, will ‘provide valuable experience’ for the project to convert Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII.
Paul Herbert, Principal Technology Specialist, Lloyd’s Register said: ‘The project to retrofit the Stena Superfast VII and VIII with methanol dual-fuel propulsion underlines Stena Line Ferries and LR’s shared commitment to sustainability and the importance of embracing alternative fuels for a more sustainable future. Leveraging our expertise and experience gained from the successful conversion of the Stena Germanica in 2015, we are poised to deliver another groundbreaking solution that will pave the way for greener and more efficient ferry operations.’
Ian Hampton, COO Fleet & Government Affairs, Stena Line Ferries, added: ‘As we continue to implement our strategy to decarbonise our operations, we still see methanol as a viable alternative fuel that will help us achieve this ambition. Lloyds Register with their knowledge and experience from supporting the conversion project of Stena Germanica nine years ago will once again be able to provide the necessary support with these retrofits of our existing tonnage. In the process, it will make them more sustainable by reducing CO2 emissions and encouraging the technology and development needed on our ongoing journey towards fossil free shipping.’
