133-metre-long LNG-fuelled ferry F.-A.-Gauthier set sail yesterday from Italy’s Fincantieri Castellammare di Stabia shipyard. It will be the first LNG-powered ferry to operate in North America, when delivered.
The vessel is the first in a series of gas-fuelled vessels built to LR class for the Canadian operator Societe des traversiers du Quebec (STQ). With a capacity for 800 passengers and 180 vehicles, the ferry is also the first LNG-powered ferry to be built in Italy.
The ferry, which is fitted with an ultra-compliant, low emission, dual-fuel LNG and diesel system, will enter service at Matane in the Canadian province of Quebec.
"This hi-tech vessel meets all the maximum standards to deal with environmental pollution and is also certified as ice class in compliance with an integrated bridge system notation as well as a dynamic propulsion system," said Claudio Percivale, LR’s Senior Surveyor in Charge for the project.
This project was covered in detail in LR's November 2013 Gas Technology Report.
The F.-A.-Gauthier pictured during sea trials off the island of Capri.