
Saint-Malo: Brittany Ferries’ New Ship Completes Its First LNG Bunkering in Portsmouth, UK
Portsmouth International Port in the UK has achieved a significant milestone by conducting its first LNG (liquefied natural gas) bunkering operation, marking a crucial step in its quest for carbon neutrality by 2030. This operation involved the newly constructed Saint-Malo ferry, which is part of a plan to modernize the fleet serving the English Channel, including two hybrid-electric ferries.
The Saint-Malo received LNG from a bunkering barge operated by Titan Clean Fuels, signifying a shift towards cleaner maritime fuel sources. LNG is considered a transitional fuel that can lower maritime emissions due to its efficiency and reduced harmful particulates compared to traditional marine fuels.
Operated by Brittany Ferries, the Saint-Malo is touted as the most environmentally advanced vessel on the English Channel. It is part of a rejuvenation effort that includes the commissioning of E-Flexer-class ships from Stena RoRo. The Saint-Malo features the highest passenger capacity in the fleet with over 380 cabins and incorporates a state-of-the-art 12 MWh battery-hybrid system.
This ship is designed for flexible fuel usage, capable of operating on batteries, LNG, biodiesel, biogas, or marine diesel. Additionally, during docking, it can run solely on battery power, allowing for zero emissions while moored. These efforts align with Portsmouth Port’s broader sustainability initiatives, including plans to introduce a shore power system later this year that will further reduce fuel consumption and improve local air quality.
The MS Saint-Malo is expected to officially start operations in February, replacing the Bretagne ferry, which has served the Portsmouth–St Malo route for the past 40 years.
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