Seaspan Energy becomes first accredited Vancouver LNG bunkering supplier

Seaspan Energy (Seaspan) on Monday (18 November) has received a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering accreditation from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), the first LNG bunkering accreditation to be issued by the VFPA. 

This accreditation authorises Seaspan to conduct ship-to-ship LNG bunkering for LNG fueled vessels calling at the Port of Vancouver.

“This accreditation is an important next step in Seaspan Energy’s journey towards offering low-carbon solutions for ship owners,” said Harly Penner, Senior Vice President, Seaspan Energy. 

“LNG will play an integral role in the global transition to cleaner marine fuels, as we collectively aim to meet the International Maritime Organization’s emissions reductions targets by 2030 and beyond.”

“Being the first company to receive this LNG bunkering accreditation from the VFPA is a very meaningful step towards the start up of our Vancouver based LNG bunker hub and I’m proud that Seaspan Energy will be at the forefront of helping to drive the marine industry towards a more sustainable future.”

Seaspan Energy is working towards operating three 112m-long LNG bunkering vessels named after iconic West Coast mountains; Seaspan Garibaldi, Seaspan Lions, and Seaspan Baker. 

Both the Seaspan Garibaldi and Seaspan Lions will enter into service soon and will provide LNG bunkering services on the West Coast of North America.

VFPA said the accreditation makes LNG the first approved alternative fuel for ship bunkering at the Port of Vancouver, and supports efforts by the international shipping sector to move away from traditional marine heavy fuels and meet emissions reduction goals.

“LNG and other fuels safely move through the port every day including various LNG-fuelled deep-sea vessels already calling port terminals,” it said in a separate statement.

“In recent years dual-fuel LNG vessels calling the Port of Vancouver have included tankers, roll-on/roll-off ships carrying vehicles, and container and cruise ships.”

VFPA added Seaspan Energy’s accreditation means LNG-powered vessels will now be able to safely refuel while in port—enhancing efficiency and sustainability at Canada’s largest port. 

As part of the port authority’s robust LNG accreditation program, Seaspan Energy will be required to renew its licence annually to ensure it continues to meet the highest LNG bunkering safety standards and procedures.

Photo credit: Seaspan Energy
Published: 20 November, 2024