Seaspan Ferries adds two new LNG-hybrid vessels

Canadian transport company Seaspan Ferries announced it will be adding two new LNG – battery hybrid ferries to its fleet. With construction scheduled to begin in 2019, the vessels are expected to go into operation in 2021.

The vessels will be constructed by Damen Shipyards Gorinchem B.V. at their Mangalia Shipyard in Romania.

The two vessels will join the 'Seaspan Swift' and the 'Seaspan Reliant', the company’s first hybrid ferries, commissioned two years ago.

Seaspan Ferries provides a daily, scheduled truck and trailer ferry service between the Mainland at Tilbury in Delta and Surrey, and on Vancouver Island at Downtown Nanaimo, Duke Point Nanaimo, and Victoria (Swartz Bay).

Since introducing these vessels to their fleet, the company said it has been able to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its route.

"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. 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,"

...says Frank Butzelaar, CEO Seaspan Marine Transportation.