OCTOBER 16, 2013 — German ferry operator AG Ems has placed an order with shipbuilder Fassmer GmbH & Co. KG for what will be Germany's first LNG-fueled ferry.

Scheduled for delivery from the shipyard in April 2015, the vessel will serve year round on the Cuxhaven- Helgoland route operated by subsidiary Cassen Eils.

Though the primary fuel will be LNG, the vessel will have dual fuel capability.

The 1,000 passenger vessel will have a cargo capacity that will include up to ten 10 ft reefer containers, loaded/loaded by an on-board crane.

The nearly 80-meter long ship will incorporate proven features of previous Cassen Eils Helgoland ships, including a hullform that enables a cruising speed of up to 20 knots.

Passenger comfort will be enhanced by a dynamic stabilization system and the vessel will have a cruise ship ambience with an open atrium, a glass elevator and a sky bar overlooking the spacious sun deck.

According to AG Ems CEO Dr. Bernard Brons, the new ship represents an investment of about EUR 30 million, with the vessel expected to have a life of 30 to 40 years.