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DNV GL has signed a contract to provide classification services for Stena Line's new gas-fuelled ro-pax ferries, to be constructed at AVIC Weihai Shipyard in China.

"These ships will be the most fuel efficient ferries in the world and will set a new industry standard when it comes to operational performance, emissions and cost competitiveness, positioning Stena Line to support its customers in the next decades," commented Carl-Johan Hagman, Managing Director of Stena Line.

"During the course of the past 24 months our engineering staff has managed to develop a design that is not only 50 percent larger than today's standard ro-pax vessels, but more importantly, incorporates the emission reduction and efficiency initiatives that have been developed throughout the Stena Group during the past years," Hagman added.

Knut Orbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL - Maritime, remarked: "We are very proud to have been selected by Stena Line for this exciting new project. That a quality- focused and innovative owner like Stena Line has chosen to construct these vessels to the new DNV GL rule set, clearly shows that our customers are responding to the possibilities created by the rules. We look forward to working with Stena Line, Deltamarin, AVIC and all the project partners to ensure the successful delivery of these highly efficient, future-ready vessels."

In April, Stena signed a contract for an order of four new ro-pax ferries with planned delivery during 2019 and 2020, with an option for another four vessels. Intended for short international routes, the first four ferries are planned to be used within Stena Lines' route network in Northern Europe. They will have the capacity to carry 1,000 people onboard (927 passengers and 73 crew), as well as having 3,100 lane metres in a drive-through configuration.

The vessels and their main engines will be 'gas ready', prepared to be fuelled by either methanol or liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Last year, Stena Line converted the ro-pax vessel Stena Germanica to a dual-fuel methanol propulsion system at Poland's Remontowa shipyard. It is the world's first ever methanol-powered sea vessel, combining methanol as its primary fuel with marine gas fuel (MGO) as a back-up power source.

DNV GL's GAS READY notation is designed to provide a clear picture of the level of gas-fuelled preparedness of a vessel, as well as guidance on the scope of the contemplated work to all involved parties.

During the classification process DNV GL is to also carry out statutory work on behalf of the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).