Norway: Bergen to Convert Fjord Line’s Ferries to Single LNG Engine Systems

Fjord Line has awarded Bergen Group Fosen a supplementary contract for the two cruise ferries currently under construction. The contract comprises a conversion to single LNG engine systems. The LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) will then be the only fuel source for both vessels already from the first day of operation.

The scope of work includes installation of four modern and very environmentally friendly gas engines in each of the two cruise ferries. The contract involves change in delivery time for both ships. The first ship will be delivered in April 2013. The second ship will be completed some months later.

Each of the two ships has a length of 170 meters, perfectly designed to withstand North Sea waves and give passengers a comfortable and stable voyage. Each ship will be able to accommodate 1,500 passengers, and will have 306 cabins and space for 600 cars, trucks and cargo.

Bergen Group Ship Design and Bergen Group Fosen have designed the ships and Finn Falkum Hansen is the architect for the project. Hansen’s previous design work has included two of the ships in the Hurtigruten fleet, MS Trollfjord and MS Midnatsol. The hull of MS Bergensfjord is currently being constructed in Gdansk, while MS Stavangerfjord has been towed to Bergen Group Fosen for interior fitting and finishing work.

Bergen Group does not expect this supplementary contract to have any impact on the operating profit (EBITDA).

CEO of Bergen Group Terje Arnesen is satisfied with the contract awarded, giving Bergen Group the responsibility for a modification project that will enable the two ships to be among the most environmentally friendly cruise ferries in the world. “LNG represents a very exciting future as a fuel source for an increasing part of the maritime industry. This contract contributes to a strengthening of our expertise within this area in early stages of an existing market development“.

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Source: Bergen Group, July 23, 2012; Image: Fjord Line