Canadian shipping line Seaspan Energy has launched the second of three new LNG bunkering vessels, the Seaspan Lions, strengthening its position as fuel supplier on the West Coast of North America.
The Seaspan Lions was named after the twin peaks of the North Shore, known as Ch’ich’iyúy Elxwíkn to the indigenous Squamish Nation. The firm launched the first of the three sister ships, the Seaspan Garibaldi, in January.
“Solving the LNG infrastructure gap on the West Coast will play a vital role in creating new markets for lower-emission fuels and a more sustainable maritime industry,” said Ian McIver, President of Seaspan Energy. “We understand the importance of providing low carbon bunkering solutions for ship owners who want to decarbonize their operations and we are committed to supporting the transition to cleaner, lower-emission marine fuels in British Columbia, Canada and the world.
Operational emissions reduction
The launch of the Seaspan Garibaldi made the firm the first company to provide LNG bunkering in the Pacific Northwest and the trio of vessels are scheduled to deliver fuel from Panama to Canada.
Each of the three vessels features capacity for 7,600 cubic metres of fuel and measure 112.8 metres in length, 18.6 metres in width, and five metres in draft. Construction has been undertaken by Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering shipyard in China, with the third vessel due for delivery in 2025.
“The bunkering ship design will integrate the latest ship technology, improve the capacity of the power storage system, and further reduce operational pollution emissions and greenhouse gas emissions,” a spokesperson for CIMC SOE said. “In addition, the ship is equipped with relevant thrusters which has excellent manoeuvrability and can be applied to LNG loading, unloading and bunkering services under different conditions. The performance indicators of the ship have reached the international advanced level.”
All three vessels have been designed by Canadian naval architects Vard Marine based on requirements developed in partnership with the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port, and FortisBC, the owner of the Tilbury LNG facility in British Columbia. All three ships will be Canadian-flagged ship and classified by standards agency by Bureau Veritas.
