Haisla, Seaspan JV secures $500 million tug deal

HaiSea Marine, a JV between Haisla First Nation and Seaspan, has signed a contract with LNG Canada to design, build, and operate escort tugs and harbor tugs required for LNG Canada’s export facility in Kitimat, British Columbia.

Seaspan said that the value of the contract award was around $500 million over 12 years and would result in employment for approximately 70 mariners and six onshore staff, plus other roles for employees of the partner organizations.

Crystal Smith, chief councilor of the Haisla Nation, said: “Our agreement with Seaspan ensures our members will have access to employment, training, and procurement opportunities on the contract with LNG Canada.”

During operations, LNG carriers will require harbor tugs to provide berthing and unberthing assistance in Kitimat. The tugs will also provide transportation of material and personnel, marine emergency response, firefighting, and oil pollution response.

Escort tugs are required to escort LNG carriers from Triple Island to the facility in Kitimat – some 159 nautical miles.

The tugs are yet to be constructed and will go into service shortly before production commencing, which is estimated before mid-next decade.