ABS Classes BC Ferries’ Newly Converted LNG-Fueled Ship
Image Courtesy: BC FerriesABS has classed Spirit of British Columbia, one of BC Ferries’ two largest ferries that will use LNG as fuel.
The ship has finished conversion and returned to service on Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen) - Victoria (Swartz Bay) route.
“The conversion of these vessels to operate on LNG is an important milestone for BC Ferries and the region, supporting more efficient and environmentally-friendly transportation,” Patrick Janssens, ABS Vice President for Global Gas Solutions, said.
The Spirit of British Columbia was the first of two Spirit Class vessels to undergo conversion while its sister vessel, the Spirit of Vancouver Island, is expected to complete conversion during the spring of 2019. These vessels are the largest ships in the BC Ferries’ fleet with a capacity to carry 2,100 passengers and crew and 358 automobile equivalent. The conversion to LNG as fuel was completed at the Remontowa Ship Repair Yard in Gdansk, Poland.
“We are excited to welcome the Spirit of British Columbia back into our fleet and the environmental benefits and efficiency advantages that come with its conversion,” Mark Wilson, BC Ferries Vice President of Strategy and Community Engagement, commented.
“The two Spirit Class vessels consume approximately 16 per cent of our fuel annually. The conversion of our two largest ships in the fleet, along with the introduction of our three new natural gas-fuelled Salish Class vessels last year, goes a long way to improving the sustainability of our operations and affordability for ferry users,” according to Mark Collins, BC Ferries’ President & CEO.
