Seaspan Books Two Eco Ferries
Canada’s Seaspan Ferries Corporation has contracted Sedef Shipyard of Istanbul, Turkey to build two new dual-fuelled (diesel and liquefied natural gas) ferries.
The 148.9 metre ferries, both expected to be in operation by late 2016, will accommodate up to 59 trailers. Construction is scheduled to start in early 2015.
Seaspan has not revealed the value of the contract.
“Seaspan is pleased to partner with Sedef Shipyard to build two new state-of-the-art ferries,” said Steve Roth, Vice President, Seaspan Ferries Corporation. “Today’s announcement demonstrates a clear commitment to our drop-trailer customers through the modernization of an aging fleet.”
SFC’s contract award comes after a procurement process that included more than 40 shipyards around the world, as well as an analysis of Seaspan Shipyard’s capacity to construct these vessels at its new facility at Vancouver Shipyards.
“Our decision to have a non-Seaspan shipyard build our new ferries was not made lightly, but it was a simple decision based on capacity,” said Jonathan Whitworth, CEO, Seaspan.
Sedef Shipyard has built more than 175 vessels since it was first founded in 1975. Sedef is owned by Turkon Holdings, which provides marine transportation and shipbuilding services, along with marinas, hotels and other tourism ventures.
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