Newest ship in Brittany fleet takes to water
Chinese launch ceremony for Salamanca
THE next ship to join Brittany Ferries’ fleet has taken to the water for the first time.
The ferry, called Salamanca, represents a huge investment for the firm, which runs services from Portsmouth, and it is one of three cleaner, more efficient and comfortable vessels due to enter service in the next couple of years.
Salamanca's launch ceremony took place on January 6 at the CMJL shipyard in Weihai, China, where she is under construction.
She is the second of three E-Flexer class ships ordered by Brittany Ferries and will join sister-ship Galicia, when she enters service in the spring of 2022.
Jean-Marc Roué, president Brittany Ferries, said: ‘In spite of Brexit and Covid which have cost our company several hundred million euros already, I am resolved to remain on our path towards eco-responsibility and energy transition.
‘We will continue, despite these crises, to reduce our carbon footprint, to keep on improving our fleet and to contribute to the development of the regions we serve.
‘Salamanca is a good illustration of this.
‘By renewing our fleet today, we are ensuring a return to growth tomorrow and Brittany Ferries and our partners remain confident in the future.’
Galicia entered service in December 2020. Salamanca will join her in 2022 with Santoña following in 2023.
Both Salamanca and Santoña will be powered by LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and will serve the company's long-distance routes connecting the UK with Spain.
LNG emits virtually no sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide or particulate emissions, following combustion.
In addition, because LNG burns more efficiently than diesel, there is a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) output of around 25 percent.
The facilities for storing LNG will be supplied by Repsol in Spain.
Each E-Flexer vessel promises a significant reduction in air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. They are also smoother, quieter and benefit from less vibration with better sea handling.
Christophe Mathieu, chief executive Brittany Ferries, said: ‘Passengers expect more comfortable, cleaner, greener vessels and society rightly demands sustainability as standard.
‘It’s why these E-Flexer ships are so important as we look to emerge from the current crisis.’