Seaspan Ferries Corporation (SFC) has officially welcomed two new, state-of-the-art dual-fuelled/hybrid (liquefied natural gas (LNG), diesel and battery) vessels to its fleet. The Seaspan Swift and Seaspan Reliant, the first eco-ferries of their kind in North America, are fuelled with British Columbia’s clean-burning LNG.
The Seaspan Swift and Seaspan Reliant were formally christened by sponsors Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia, and Anisa White, wife of Doug White III, Councillor and Chief Negotiator for Snuneymuxw First Nation.
Following their construction at Sedef Shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey, the Seaspan Swift arrived in December 2016 and entered operation in January 2017, while the Seaspan Reliant arrived in late February and is scheduled to begin service later this month. The 148.9 metre long ferries which can accommodate up to 59, 53’ trailers mark the first new vessels added to SFC’s fleet since 2002.
“The introduction of two new technologically advanced, LNG-fuelled vessels represents the beginning of the realization of a bold and ambitious vision to re-construct our marine terminals and modernize the vessels that service them,” said Steve Roth. “The Seaspan Swift and Seaspan Reliant reinforce an unwavering commitment to our drop-trailer customers and serve as a testament to how we live out our Core Value of Care for the Environment by ensuring the conservation of Canadian oceans and waterways, reducing greenhouse gas emissions dramatically, while delivering the highest level of efficiency, performance and reliability.”
SFC currently operates a fleet of seven ferries out of five terminals in British Columbia, and supplies more than 50% of all cargo to Vancouver Island.
(Source: Seaspan Ferries)
