MAN PrimeServ, the after-sales division of MAN Energy Solutions, has won a contract to convert two ropaxes, operated by Baleària Eurolineas Maritimas, to dual-fuel operation.
Sisterships, ‘Nápoles’ and ‘Sicilia’, are currently powered by two MAN 9L48/60A main engines each, which will be converted to 9L51/60DF units to enable them to run on LNG.
Dr Thomas Spindler, Head of Upgrades & Retrofits, PrimeServ 4-stroke, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “We showed – with the conversion of Wessels Reederei’s ‘Wes Amelie’ containership – that operational MAN engines can successfully be converted to LNG operation with a tremendous effect on exhaust emissions and the environment. We are very happy that Baleària has seen fit to bring these benefits to a new segment and application and look forward to the conversion procedure.”
Director General of Operations at Baleària, Ettore Morace, said that the company’s commitment to the environment “….is a strategic line for the company based on the use of liquefied natural gas and other clean energies as well as fleet eco-efficiency.”
The conversion of the ‘Nápoles’ is due to take place in Spain between November, 2018 and January, 2019, with the conversion of ‘Sicilia’ to take place from October to December, 2019.
Dutch gas equipment supplier Cryonorm is believed to be supplying some of the equipment for the conversion project.
‘Sicilia’ operates on the Barcelona/Ibiza route, while ‘Nápoles’ serves the Algeciras /Tanger Med route.
