- The company seeks recognition for major LNG investments in four new vessels.
- Ferry routes Rosslare–Bilbao and Rosslare–Cherbourg were used in a year-long study.
- Brittany Ferries is open to further research and collaboration on emissions.
Brittany Ferries reports that it has reiterated its dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but it emphasises that climate change tax regulations need to be based on current data rather than outdated research. This statement comes in light of an independent study conducted in France, which assessed emissions from the LNG-powered ship Salamanca over a year. The researchers discovered that methane slip, essentially unburned methane escaping into the atmosphere, was approximately 50% lower than the figures typically used by European regulators.
Methane Slip Significantly Lower Than Regulatory Estimates
The study found an annual methane slip rate of 1.57%, in stark contrast to the regulatory estimates of about 3.5%. The research, led by lecturer and researcher Benoit Sagot at ESTACA, was published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering.
“We fully support the established principle of polluter pays, but the rules must reflect reality,” said Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries. “The data now shows that real emissions from our LNG ships are far, far lower than initial fears. This must be woven into regulatory declarations, mindful that these must be the basis of fines we must pay.”
LNG Investments Must Be Recognised
“This independent research has been peer reviewed and should therefore serve as a solid basis for European and international regulators,” Mathieu added. “We have invested significantly in LNG as a cleaner, greener fuel with four new ships. It is important that we are recognised for our sector-leading approach to sustainability, and that we are not penalised for phantom emissions that exist only on a spreadsheet.”
Transparency and Collaboration
Brittany Ferries expressed its satisfaction in partnering with ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition) for this research. During the study, data were collected on the ferry routes from Rosslare to Bilbao and from Rosslare to Cherbourg. The company also indicated its openness to more research opportunities and is ready to offer its LNG-powered fleet for future studies.
“Regulators must follow the science and pursue policies that encourage rather than penalise low-carbon maritime technologies,” concluded Mathieu.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Brittany Ferries
