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The first ever newbuild liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled German seagoing vessel, which is powered by a complete Wärtsilä LNG propulsion solution, had its maiden voyage on December 11. The ship was built at the Fr. Fassmer shipyard in Germany.

The passenger ferry, owned by Reederei Cassen Eils GmbH, is to operate between Cuxhaven and the island of Helgoland. This route takes the vessel close to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wadden Sea National Park, an ecologically sensitive area in the south-eastern part of the North Sea. Because of the need to minimise exhaust gas emissions in this area, the ferry will operate primarily on LNG using two 9-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF medium-speed dual-fuel engines.

"We are very proud to be operating the first newbuild German vessel fuelled by LNG. Compared to conventional diesel fuel, this ship will produce 20 percent less CO2, 90 percent less NOx, and almost zero SOx and particulates. Thanks to Wärtsilä's dual-fuel technology with built in redundancy, the vessel can operate efficiently and without restrictions in the Wadden Sea National Park. Furthermore, it was very important for us to select a reliable and experienced partner who was able to deliver a complete propulsion package," remarked Dr. Bernhard Brons, Managing Director of Reederei Cassen Eils GmbH and CEO of AG EMS.

In addition to the propulsion machinery comprised of the two engines, two gearboxes and two controllable pitch propellers, Wärtsilä has also supplied its LNGPac fuel bunkering and gas supply system with related safety and automation systems.

"This is a unique and very important maiden voyage that promotes responsible sustainability for shipping. We congratulate the owners for having the first virtually emissions free German passenger vessel in operation. Wärtsilä is proud to have supplied the integrated solutions package that has made this possible. This is one of the first installations anywhere in the world with Wärtsilä 20DF engines utilizing gas-mechanical direct propulsion, making it both environmentally sustainable and extremely efficient," commented Matthias Becker, General Manager, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions in Germany.

Reederei Cassen Eils is a member of the AG EMS group of companies. Wärtsilä earlier retrofitted the company's car and passenger ferry, Ostfriesland, for LNG operation. The vessel had its maiden voyage on June 17.