GNF, Balearia to jointly develop LNG engine

Gas Natural Fenosa and Spanish ferry operator Balearia signed a deal to develop the first natural gas engine for passenger vessels in Spain.

The cooperation was marked by the signing of the partnership agreement between the CEO of Energy Retail Business for Gas Natural Fenosa, Daniel Lopez Jorda and Baleària president, Adolfo Utor. The two companies will also cooperate with the Port of Barcelona, the Generalitat de Catalunya and Barcelona City Council.

The first ferry to get the natural gas engine as well as an LNG tank is the Abel Matutes, operating daily on the Barcelona-Palma route, stands in the company’s statement.

GNF also said that this agreement provides for the future development of infrastructure to deliver piped natural gas to the Port of Barcelona.

Work is planned to start in 2015 which would include installation of the gas engine and a 30 m3 LNG tank on the deck of the vessel as well as a gas processing plant on the upper deck which would allow the vessel to also use gas for the production of electricity during the approach and exit maneuvers.

Testing and commissioning are expected to be underway at the end of next year.

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LNG World News Staff; Image: Gas Natural Fenosa