High LNG costs are forcing Norwegian Fjord Lines, based in Egersund, to convert two LNG-powered ferries to run on traditional marine gas oil (MGO). "The energy crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to exceptional volatility and significant price increases for LNG - and the price increases have been far higher than for traditional and less sustainable marine energy sources. ... This has led to a dramatic increase in energy costs for Fjord Line's two LNG-fuelled vessels, which is well above a financially sustainable level," the company explained.
First LNG ferries
Since last autumn, the two ships, MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensfjord, have been sailing more slowly and have therefore had to accept longer sailing times with fewer departures. However, as Fjord Line does not want to operate its routes in this way, it has now been decided to convert the engines of the two ships from single-fuel LNG to dual-fuel LNG/MGO so that they can switch between LNG and MGO. The ships delivered in 2013 and 2014 were the first ferries in the world to run exclusively on LNG fuel.
Conversion
The conversion of the MS Stavangerfjord will begin this month and is expected to be completed by the end of May 2023. The MS Bergensfjord will be converted from February and is expected to be completed by mid-June 2023. The conversions will be carried out at Fosen Yard in Norway with engines from Wärtsilä.
Conclusion
The ferry company is not at all happy about the necessary switch to the use of MGO, even though marine diesel oil has significantly lower sulphur emissions than conventional fuels such as HFO (Heavy Fuel Oil). However, according to the company, the conversion is commercially crucial in order to maintain the customer offering, secure jobs and continue the further development of the ferry operation.
Source: gCaptain
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