Building upon the success of the Stena Germanica in 2015, Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Stena Line will work together on a project to retrofit two fast roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels with methanol propulsion. It involves the Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII.
The conversion will see the two Ro-Ro ferries, which operate on the Scotland to Northern Ireland route between Cairnryan and Belfast, converted to methanol dual-fuel propulsion with the vessels transferring class to LR.
As part of the project, the retrofit process will convert two out of the four main engines in each vessel to run on methanol alongside marine gas oil (MGO). The ship’s bunkering, storage, fuel supply and supporting systems will also be adapted for methanol.
Also read: Stena Line converts two vessels to increase cargo capacity
Stena Germanica
The LR-classed Stena Germanica is the only retrofitted methanol vessel in service and will provide valuable experience for the project to convert Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII.
Paul Herbert, principal technology specialist, Lloyd’s Register: ‘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 ground breaking solution that will pave the way for greener and more efficient ferry operations.’
LR’s recent “Fuel for thought: Methanol for passenger ships” report shows that methanol is an increasingly technically viable fuel for shipowners, however, infrastructure and investment need to be prioritised for widespread adoption. LR has also built upon its expertise with projects such as the partnership with Danish methanol-as-marine-fuel consultancy Green Marine focusing on seafarer training for methanol handling and approval in principle for NACKS’ methanol-fuelled 81,000 DWT bulk carrier.
Picture: The Stena Superfast VII is one of the two RoRo ferries to be converted to dual-fuel methanol propulsion (photo by LR).
Also read: Stena ferries get new anti-fouling to cut fuel consumption
