The LNGHIVE2 GREEN AND SMART LINKS project forms part of the overall LNGHIVE2 project aimed at implementing Directive 2014/94 on the development of LNG infrastructure and demand in port-maritime operations in Spain. As such, it lies within the framework of the National Action Plan for the development of alternative fuels.
The project LNGHIVE2 VESSELS DEMAND: GREEN AND SMART LINKS – LNG solutions for smart maritime links in Spanish core ports includes the retrofitting of five ships (Abel Matutes, Nápoles, Sicilia, Bahama Mama and Martín i Soler) belonging to the shipping company Baleària, to run on LNG. The ships’ current main engines will be adapted and so there will be no need to replace them with new ones.
These five ships will be the first fleet of LNG-powered ferries to operate in the Mediterranean, making Baleària a pioneer in this market and the first to generate a demand for LNG as fuel in the Spanish core ports. Participating on the projects to modernize these five ferries are various European engine manufacturers, shipyards, engineering companies and certification societies, thereby creating high-skilled jobs in Europe and providing opportunities to further develop European technological know-how in a sector offering great potential.
In addition, the project will contribute to the development of infrastructure in Spanish ports to ensure the supply of LNG to ships. Specifically, two infrastructure construction projects will take place in the Port of Gijón. The new infrastructure will ensure the supply of LNG to the ships retrofitted by Baleària, so that they can operate in dual-fuel mode. The two new additions are an LNG station for fuelling vehicles and a Multiple-Trucks-to-Ship (MTTS) bunkering system.
Fundación Valenciaport is responsible for validating the retrofitting of the ships, analysing the results in terms of emissions through emission measures on the ships before and after the retrofittings. It will also perform a cost-benefit analysis of the project, as well as providing support to Baleària in its role of project coordinator.
