Societe Nationale Corse-Mediterranee (SNCM), the Marseille based ferry company in the Veolia Transport group, is expected to announce a yard to build two lng powered ropax ferries next month, it has been reported.

Stirling Design International, the French company whose previous work includes the Le Boreal class luxury ships of Compagnie du Ponant, has designed the exterior of the planned ships, Ferryvolution.com says on its website, adding that the two ships are likely to be delivered in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

SNCM was recently awarded the concession to operate a ferry service between the French mainland and Corsica up to 202.It  currently operates five cruise ferries plus three ropax vessels and it has been reported to be planning to replace its entire fleet with new ships.