Dutch ferry operator Rederij Doeksen and service supplier of liquefied natural gas Titan LNG have signed a long-term agreement for the supply of LNG for newbuild ferries.

Titan LNG said that the Willem de Vlamingh and Willem Barentsz vessels would be bunkered by trucks on a weekly basis.

Both ferries will only use LNG as fuel and will operate on the ferry route to the Dutch islands of Vlieland and Terschelling.

According to the company, use of LNG will reduce harmful emissions in the Waddenzee UNESCO heritage area, an intertidal zone in the southeastern part of the North Sea.

Richard de Vries, head of operations at Rederij Doeksen, said: “After an intensive period of preparations to get the two new ferries into service, we have found in Titan LNG the best partner to supply LNG for our vessels. […] we look forward to jointly prepare the first bunkerings in Harlingen.”

Ronald van Selm, COO of Titan LNG, added: “We feel certain that Doeksen’s passengers will appreciate the efforts that have been put into this project to reduce the environmental impact of the ferries.”

The vessels were built in Vietnam and are currently on their way to Harlingen for final outfitting and commissioning.

It is expected that the first crossings with the vessels will take place later this year. Once per week, the vessels will be bunkered at the Rederij Doeksen location in Harlingen with three trucks.