Seaspan Ferries Takes Delivery of Hybrid, Dual-Fuel Vessel

The new "state-of-the-art" Seaspan Swift can run on diesel, LNG, and battery power.

Canada-based Seaspan Ferries Corporation (SFC) Friday announced the arrival of Seaspan Swift, the first of two new dual-fuelled hybrid ferries set to be added to the company's fleet.

The new "state-of-the-art" vessel, which can run on diesel, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and battery power, was bunkered with LNG for the first time earlier this week through a truck to ship operation supported by VARD, FortisBC and Redwise - said to be the first operation of its kind in North America.

"Seaspan Ferries is thrilled to welcome the Seaspan Swift, a state-of-the-art, technologically advanced vessel to our fleet," said Steve Roth, Vice President of SFC.

"Today's announcement not only demonstrates an unwavering commitment to our drop-trailer customers, it is a testament to how we live out our Core Value of Care for the Environment by ensuring the conservation of Canadian oceans and waterways. The Seaspan Swift will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions dramatically compared to other current alternatives while delivering the highest level of efficiency, performance and reliability."

The 148.9 metre ferry is noted to be currently docked at the SFC Tilbury Terminal in Delta, British Coumbia following its arrival from the Sedef Shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey.

The vessel is set to undergo a series of regulatory inspections and crew training programmes throughout the month of December before the ferry enters operation on January 2, 2017.

The Seaspan Swift's sister vessel Seaspan Reliant is said to be nearing completion and is currently undergoing testing and trials in Turkey, with the vessel set to arrive at the SFC Tilbury Terminal in early 2017.