Shipping firm Seaspan Ferries Corporation (SFC) has launched a new LNG-fuelled ferry and completed first bunkering operations at its SFC Tilbury Terminal in Delta, British Columbia, Canada.
The Seaspan Swift is the first of two new hybrid dual-fuelled vessels ordered by the firm that that can run on either diesel or LNG as well as operating battery backup power.
“Seaspan Ferries is thrilled to welcome the Seaspan Swift, a state-of-the-art, technologically advanced vessel to our fleet,” Steve Roth, Vice President of SFC, said.
Commercial transport to begin in January
At 148.9 metres in length, the Seaspan Swift can accommodate up to 59 trailers. The vessel is currently undergoing regulatory inspections and crew training throughout December, before commencing operation on 2 January 2017.
“The Seaspan Swift will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions dramatically compared to other current alternatives while delivering the highest level of efficiency, performance and reliability,” Roth added.
The vessel was delivered from the Sedef Shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey where its sister ship, Seaspan Reliant, is currently undergoing testing and trials. The Seaspan Reliant is scheduled to be delivered to Tilbury in early 2017.
VARD, FortisBC and Redwise deliver first LNG bunkering
The firm carried out the first LNG bunkering of the Seaspan Swift upon arrival from the quayside at the Tilbury Terminal.
“A tanker truck was used to carry out the operation, which was executed with assistance from VARD, FortisBC and Redwise,” a spokesperson for Seaspan said.
As part of Seaspan ULC, SFC is involved in the provision of marine-related services throughout the Pacific Northwest. Alongside SFC’s intermodal ferry business the group also operates three shipyards and a tug and barge transportation company.
