Titan LNG picked as LNG, bioLNG supplier for Corsica Linea’s new ferry

Dutch LNG supplier Titan LNG has secured a tender for the delivery of LNG for Corsica Linea’s new Ro-Pax LNG-fuelled ferry, A Galeotta, in the French Port of Marseille.

This partnership marks the significant expansion of Titan’s operations into the Mediterranean which will enhance the availability of LNG, bioLNG, and in the longer run hydrogen-derived LNG in the region, the company said.

Titan will start with truck-to-ship operations for a period of time until the Krios vessel – a 4,500 cbm LNG bunker vessel – arrives. Krios will be able to supply the wider Mediterranean region with LNG and bioLNG as marine fuel.

Corsica Linea’s new LNG-fuelled roll-on/roll-off passenger (RoPax) vessel, A Galeotta, is currently under construction at the Visentini shipyard in Italy. The LNG-powered ferry is set to begin sea trials in May 2022.

Since the vessel is designed to be powered by LNG, it will be versatile and future-proof. Lower and zero-carbon variations of LNG such as bioLNG and hydrogen-derived LNG can be dropped into its fuel tanks with no changes required to the infrastructure. These can even be blended with conventional LNG to reduce emissions further. GHG emissions and local emissions will be reduced immediately by using readily available LNG and bioLNG, while a safe, practical pathway to zero carbon hydrogen-derived LNG is open, according to Titan LNG.

Increasing collaboration and strong partnerships are essential for the maritime industry to successfully decarbonise. Close cooperation between the Port of Marseille, Corsica Linea and Titan, as well as the expansion of Titan’s business to the Mediterranean region, highlights the trust in LNG and its derivatives as leading sustainable marine fuels. It also shows that investments in LNG infrastructure and LNG-fuelled vessels pose less risk than some alternatives fuels.

“Expanding our operations to the Mediterranean region will enhance the availability of LNG and bioLNG. Expanding infrastructure will help consolidate LNG as a leading sustainable marine fuel across the region. As a result, we hope to see more shipowners investing in LNG and bioLNG,” Niels den Nijs, CEO, Titan LNG, commented.

“Having access to LNG and bioLNG infrastructure and bunkering allows us to take a significant positive step towards the decarbonisation of our fleet. When choosing LNG, the ability to act now on greenhouse gas emissions in the Mediterranean Sea stood out,” Pierre Antoine Villanova, CEO, Corsica Linea, said.

“We also recognised the pathway to full decarbonisation using LNG, bioLNG and hydrogen-derived LNG as a strong, clear and flexible option. Our … new ferry, A Galeotta, will be able to switch between LNG and bioLNG, and even blend the two, with no changes required onboard.”