With accreditation in place, Seaspan eyes start up of Vancouver-based LNG bunker hub

Canadian shipowner Seaspan has received the first LNG bunkering accreditation issued by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), becoming authorized to conduct ship-to-ship bunkering for LNG-fueled vessels calling at the Port of Vancouver.

Harly Penner, Senior Vice President of Seaspan Energy, described the accreditation as a “very meaningful step” toward establishing the company’s Vancouver-based LNG bunker hub.

This accreditation is the result of a multi-year assessment process in which the port authority assessed proponent collaboration with key partner agencies, including local fire departments, Canadian Coast Guard, and Environment and Climate Change Canada; examined operational procedures for LNG bunkering to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards; approved designated locations for LNG bunkering; and completed risk assessments.

According to VFPA, the accreditation makes LNG the first approved alternative fuel for ship bunkering (or marine fueling) at the Port of Vancouver.

Seaspan Energy’s accreditation means LNG-powered vessels will now be able to safely refuel while in the port. The company will be required to renew its license annually to ensure it continues to meet the highest LNG bunkering safety standards and procedures, the port authority explained.

In addition, ships that use alternative fuels including LNG can qualify for the port authority’s EcoAction incentive program which offers up to 75% off harbor dues for voluntary investments in cleaner fuels, technology, or environmental management.

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

In the meantime, Seaspan is progressing with its plans to operate three 112-meter-long LNG bunkering vessels – Seaspan Garibaldi, Seaspan Lions, and Seaspan Baker. Seaspan Garibaldi and Seaspan Lions were delivered from the shipyard and will enter into service soon to provide LNG bunkering services on the West Coast of North America.

Seaspan Baker was launched on July 1, 2024, and is slated for delivery in 2025.

The 7,600 cubic meter vessels are built by CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (CIMC SOE) in China. The ships are fitted with a direct current power distribution system, supported by three dual-fuel generators, and propelled by two 1,600 KW azimuth thrusters, which are believed to enhance the environmental performance in terms of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) and operational pollution emissions while improving economic efficiency,