The second of Fjord Line's two new cruise ferries was launched 1 March in Gdansk, Poland. Both new ferries have engines powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and are the most environmentally friendly of their kind so far.
The launching marks the completion of the steel work and painting of the hull at the Stocznia Gdansk shipyard. The cruise ferry will now be towed to Bergen Group Fosen for interior fitting and finishing.
Stavangerfjord
The first ferry, the MS Stavangerfjord, is now being finished at Bergen Group Fosen from where it will depart on its maiden voyage 29 May 29. This fall, the second ship will also be ready for service. The ferries will sail daily on the routes between Bergen, Stavanger and Hirtshals, and between Hirtshals and Langesund.
Most Environmentally Friendly in the World
Both ferries are fuelled by LNG, which reduces NOx emissions by 92 percent compared to engines powered by traditional heavy fuel oil. Emissions of sulfur are eliminated completely, while particulate emissions are reduced by 98 percent. In addition, Fjord Line applies technology that reduces emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2) by 23 percent. These characteristics make these cruise ferries the most environmentally friendly of their kind in the world.
Towed to Rissa for Finishing
The launching of the almost 7000 ton hull of Bergensfjord took less than a minute. In a few days it starts the journey from Poland to Norway, along the coast to the shipyard in Rissa on the Fosen peninsula. There, workers representing a variety of disciplines will outfit and finish the modern ship. After delivery and commissioning with Fjord Line's crew, MS Bergensfjord will be put into regular service.
The new ships will be 170 meters long. The ships will each accommodate 1500 passengers and have space for 306 cabins, 600 cars, trucks and cargo.
Picture: The second of Fjord Line's two new cruise ferries, MS Bergensfjord, was launched Friday 1 March at Stocznia Gdansk. The ship will now be towed to Bergen Group Fosen for interior fitting and finishing (by Bergen Group / Øyvind Risnes)
