Three LNG-fuelled ferries are to be built for Ust-Luga - Baltijsk line, IAA PortNews correspondent cites Andrei Bagno, Director General of BFI LLC (operator of rail ferries), as saying at the 6th International Forum “Marine Industry of Russia” in Moscow.
The company expects the construction to be completed by 2018. Total investments are estimated at RUB 12.6 bln.
As of today, they are waiting for the decision of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation on required allocations (RUB 5.1 bln of subsidies). RUB 7.5 bln is to be raised through leasing.
The ferries are to be built at Russian shipyards. Preliminary negotiation have been carried out with United Shipbuilding Corporation. Negotiations with Gazpromneft Marine Bunker on development of the infrastructure required for bunkering of ferries with liquefied gas are underway. Special bunkering tankers should also be built under the project.
Single-deck ferries will be able to accommodate 66 wagon units. They will have an ice class and provide a gauge of 1,520 mm. Their speed will be 18-21 knots.
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Russian Railways supports Kaliningrad authorities’ initiative on expansion of ferry traffic between Baltijsk and Ust-Luga >>>>