A currently operating STQ ferry on the Tadoussec – Baie-Sainte-Catherine crossing.
The Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) — the Society of Quebec Ferries — had concluded an agreement to build two dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships with shipbuilder Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (Davie). The Ro-Pax ferries, built at a total cost of approx $125 million, will operate on the St. Lawrence River on the Tadoussac-Baie-Sainte-Catherine route and shall enter service in 2015.
At 92 m long, each vessel will have over 625 lane meters across two decks, allowing the transport of over 115 vehicles and 10 heavy goods vehicles. Construction is expected to begin in late 2013.
“This project has been a long time in the planning and we are very excited to now begin construction,” said Alan Bowen, CEO of Davie. “The dual-fuel LNG engines are a perfect fit with Davie’s specialization in advanced propulsion and vessel maneuvering systems. The ferries will provide an environmentally friendly solution for the province of Quebec for many years to come.”
Mr. Georges Farrah, President and CEO of the STQ, said: “We at STQ are happy to go ahead with the construction of the two ships incorporating avante-garde technological and environmental choices, thus positioning ourselves as the leader in green technologies operating ferry in North America.”
Québecian natural gas distribution company Gaz Métro Transport Solutions, LP (GMTS) recently updated it’s LNG development plan to include planning and implementation of initiatives designed to develop LNG-powered road and marine fleets.
(Sources: Chantier Davie Canada Inc., Société des traversiers du Québec)
