TT-Line orders LNG dual fuel ropax at Jinling ShipyardTT-Line orders LNG dual fuel ropax at Jinling Shipyard

The contract is for one firm order plus an option. The first newbuilding is scheduled for delivery in 2022.

The 45,000-gt and 800-passenger capacity vessels, able to run on LNG and diesel, will have 50% less emissions compared to the previous generation of vessels, according to TT-Line.

“We expect a continued growing demand for short sea transport in the Baltic Sea. With this investment we can meet our customers’ needs and support their growth in an even more efficient way. At the same time, this vessel offers a modern and comfortable journey for our passengers in combination with the most environmentally friendly transport solution,” said Hanns H. Conzen, ceo of TT-Line.

The German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure has agreed to absorb the additional costs of installing LNG capability into the ropax vessel, including the option vessel if exercised.

At present there are no permanent shoreside LNG bunkering facilities in Germany however, though TT-Line still intends to run the ropax on LNG.

Read more: LNG bunkering becoming a global phenomenon

Enak Ferlemann, state secretary of Germany’s ministry of transport, commented: “With the handing over of two further subsidy notifications, we are continuing the upgrading and conversion of marine vessels to LNG propulsion, thereby supporting the further reduction of emissions in shipping.”