Seaspan Ferries orders two LNG battery hybrids
Written by Nick BlenkeyCanada’s Seaspan Ferries will add two new Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) – battery hybrid ferries to its fleet in 2021.
Damen Shipyards Gorinchem B.V. will start construction of the vessels at its Mangalia Shipyard in Romania later this year.
Propulsion engines, switchboards, ESS and LNG storage will be supplied by MAN Energy Solutions and thrusters by Schottel Inc. The vessels will be classed by Bureau Veritas.
Seaspan Ferries currently operates a fleet of seven ferries out of four terminals in British Columbia and services trucking companies that supply all types of cargo to Vancouver Island.
The new ferries will join Seaspan Swift and Seaspan Reliant, the company’s first hybrid ferries, commissioned just over two years ago (see story). Since introducing these vessels to its fleet, Seaspan Ferries has been able to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while maintaining a high level of performance and reliability for its drop-trailer service between its Mainland terminals and Vancouver Island.
Seaspan says Damen Shipyards won the bid to build the new ferries thanks to its excellent reputation, commitment to quality, and proven infrastructure at the Mangalia Shipyard.
“Within their first two years of service, our existing LNG hybrid vessels have operated with emission reductions of over 50% compared to traditional vessels; a large part of which is directly linked to the use of LNG fuel,” said Frank Butzelaar, CEO Seaspan Marine Transportation. “These types of results truly reflect Seaspan’s commitment to our core value of Care for the Environment. Expanding our fleet of LNG vessels will allow us to further expand our service offering and reduce emissions at the same time. It’s the right decision for the business and for the environment.”
“We’ve been very happy with the construction and performance of our LNG vessels and are excited to welcome the new ferries to our fleet in 2021,” said Harly Penner, Director, Fleet Engineering & Vessel Development. “The entire Seaspan Ferries team has been extremely dedicated to the integration of the LNG vessels over the past two years, and we are excited to be working with Damen Shipyards in Romania to continue to grow our fleet.”
Quick facts
- Length: 149 m
- Lane meters: 1.034 m
- Type: Roll-on/roll-off
- Energy supply: 209 cu.m LNG storage onboard, 2 MWh battery capacity