Remontowa cuts steel for first in BC Ferries’ LNG trio

Andrzej Wojtkiewicz, CEO, Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. (left) watches as Rob Clarke,EVP and CFO, BC Ferries, initiates the first steel cut

JANUARY 26, 2015 — Poland’s Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. last week held a steel cutting ceremony at its Gdansk shipyard to mark the start of construction of three new LNG fueled intermediate class ferries (ICF) for Canada’s BC Ferries.

BC Ferries awarded the $165 million contract to Remontowa last July after an extensive bidding process. build three new vessels. They will be the first dual fuel ferries in BC Ferries’ fleet to operate. The first ICF is scheduled to arrive in Canada in August 2016.

“Today is an exciting day for BC Ferries as we officially commence the physical construction of the first ICF, which will replace the 50-year old Queen of Burnaby on the Comox – Powell River route,” said Mark Wilson, Vice President, Engineering. “We look forward to welcoming these new LNG ferries to our fleet, to help reduce both upward pressure on fares and our impact on the environment.”

The second ICF is scheduled to arrive in October 2016 and will replace the 51-year old Queen of Nanaimo, sailing on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route.

The third ICF will arrive in February 2017 and will be used to augment peak and shoulder season service on the Southern Gulf Islands route, and provide refit relief around the fleet.

The new intermediate class vessels will measure approximately 107 m and will have the capacity to carry 145 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew.

The ships will have roll on/roll off vehicle decks, capable of loading/unloading at the designated terminal berths.

The vessels will be constructed for a service life of approximately 40 years.

The ships will have a contract service speed of 15.5 knots and accelerate time to 12 knots in 125 seconds.