Seaspan launches first LNG bunker vessel at CIMC SOE

Canadian shipowner Seaspan Energy has launched its first of three 7600 cbm LNG bunkering vessels, Seaspan Garibaldi.

Seaspan Garibaldi measures 112.8 meters in length, 18.6 meters in width, and 5 meters in draft, with a design speed of 13 knots. The LNG bunkering vessel, like its sister vessels, is being built by Chinese shipbuilder CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (CIMC SOE). The construction started last February.

The Chinese shipbuilder signed an agreement with Seaspan for the construction of two 7,600 cbm LNG bunker vessels, with the option for a third vessel, in May last year. Chinese shipyard selected TGE Marine’s compressors for the vessels.

For the design of the LNG bunker vessel, Seaspan worked closely with the Canadian-based team at VARD Marine to incorporate emerging technologies resulting in a decrease in emissions and underwater noise.

According to Seaspan, the design is focused on safe, efficient, and economical refueling of multiple ship types with an ability to transfer to and from a wide range of terminals.

Furthermore, the design will allow the vessel to engage in ship-to-ship LNG transfer and coastal and short-sea shipping operations.

The LNG bunker vessel is named after Mount Garibaldi, or Nch’ḵay̓ as the Squamish Nation has known it for thousands of years.

This series of vessels will be named after iconic West Coast mountains and the first two vessels will be delivered in 2024 with the third vessel arriving in 2025. 

“There is significant global interest in developing and investing in LNG bunkering solutions and Seaspan Energy is uniquely positioned to provide leadership in this growing market because of our advanced LNG capabilities and expertise,” said Ian McIver, President of Seaspan Energy.

“Developing an LNG bunkering business is a natural progression for Seaspan, as the company already provides traditional fueling services and is a highly experienced LNG vessel operator with a fleet of hybrid ferries that operate primarily on LNG.”

Seaspan Garibaldi is set to deliver low-carbon solutions to the global market and will be based in the Panama region, and the second vessel is targeted to support the West Coast market as it develops.