Americas News
LR to Class New LNG Ferries for BC Operator
Lloyd's Register (LR) says it will class three new dual-fuel ferries that Canada's BC Ferries has ordered from Poland's Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A.
The "Intermediate Class" ferries, which will be able to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) or diesel, will cost a total of $165 million
"There is availability of Canadian gas at highly competitive prices, so commercially this is looking like a smart decision for BC Ferries," said Bud Streeter, president of LR Canada.
"Our job was, and will be, to help ensure safety and reliability in the design, build and the bunkering and operation of these ships.
"Passengers are the most valuable cargo so we will endeavour to contribute to the safe operation of these ships."
LR will provide the rules for the ships' construction, survey the ships during the building process to check for compliance, and survey them regularly once they are in service.
"This is an exciting initiative for BC Ferries that can reduce upward pressure on fares due to lower fuel costs for LNG, and reduce the environmental emissions substantially since LNG is a cleaner and greener fuel compared to current alternatives," said Mark Wilson, BC Ferries' vice president of engineering, in the ferry company's own statement.
Two of the new ships will replace existing vessels, while the third will augment service in high-demand seasons and provide refit relief for other ships in the fleet.
The vessels are scheduled to arrive in August 2016, October 2016, and February 2017.
BC Ferries came under fire last year for not considering more Canadian shipyard for the ferries' construction.
