MARITIME: Seaspan launches first hybrid LNG low-emission ferry

Vancouver-based Seaspan Ferries Corporation has launched the first of a new pair of emission reducing ferries that have entered service in British Columbia and have been certified by the international classification society Bureau Veritas.

 
SFC, part of the Seaspan ULC Group that provides marine-related services to the Pacific Northwest, has taken delivery of the Seaspan Swift, a new dual-fuelled / hybrid – diesel, liquefied natural gas and battery powered ferry.
The new ferry is the first hybrid LNG fuelled and battery powered vessel in service and the first LNG fuelled vessel operating on the west coast of Canada. Additionally, the on-board bunkering of LNG from a truck trailer is a first in North America.
Designed by VARD Marine, the 148.9m vessel is the first of two to be constructed at Sedef Shipbuilding in Turkey. Following a 10,661 nautical mile delivery voyage to the SFC Tilbury Terminal in Delta, Vancouver, Seaspan Swift underwent pre-operation regulatory checks and crew training in December. A sister vessel, Seaspan Reliant – also classed by Bureau Veritas, will arrive on the West Coast early in 2017.
“We are happy to be working with Bureau Veritas on this technical LNG / Hybrid project. Their partnership with Seaspan Ferries has helped make the design, approval, production and delivery of the vessels a success,” said Steve Roth, Vice President of Seaspan Ferries.
Philippe Donche-Gay, President, Marine & Offshore, Bureau Veritas added that “we share their excitement seeing this ship now in service. We are looking forward to helping Seaspan ensure that this new low-emission ferry works efficiently and safely for many years to come.”
Bureau Veritas now holds a leading share of LNG as fuel related marine projects – across a range of specialised ship types, including the growing LNG bunkering vessel sector.
“Our practical approach and expertise helps de-risk projects and provides the required guidance and framework for decision making,” added Philippe Donche-Gay.