The new dual fuel (LNG and battery) powere[ds_preview]d ferry »Seaspan Swift« entered service between the British Columbia mainland and Vancouver Island.
The new ferry, managed by Seaspan Ferries Corporation (SFC) and classed by Bureau Veritas, 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 148.9 m vessel is the first of two to be constructed at Sedef Shipbuilding, Turkey. Following a 10,661 nautical mile delivery voyage to the SFC Tilbury Terminal in Vancouver, »Seaspan Swift« underwent pre-operation regulatory checks and crew training in December. A sister vessel, »Seaspan Reliant«, will also arrive on the West Coast early in 2017.
Steve Roth, Vice President Seaspan Ferries commenting said, »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.«
Philippe Donche-Gay, President, Marine & Offshore, Bureau Veritas offered his congratulations. »We are now 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 specialized ship types, including the growing LNG bunkering vessel sector. Philippe Donche-Gay: »Our practical approach and expertise helps de-risk projects and provides the required guidance and framework for decision making.«
