Seaspan Energy’s newest liquified natural gas bunkering vessel, the Seaspan Lions, has launched, the North Vancouver, British Columbia-based company confirmed April 12.
The second of three 7600m3 LNG bunkering vessels, the Seaspan Lions is expected to provide LNG vessel fueling in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere on the North American West Coast.
The first vessel, the Seaspan Garibaldi, is expected to make the Panama region its home and is anticipated to bring “low-carbon solutions to the global market,” according to Seaspan.
Both are to be delivered this year, while a third vessel is expected in 2025.
Built by Chinese company CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering, the three vessels in the series are each 112.8 meters (370 feet) long, 18.6 meters (61 feet) wide and 5 meters (16.4 feet) in draft and have a design speed of 13 knots.
For the vessel design, Seaspan teamed up with Vancouver, B.C.-based VARD Marine Inc. to include technology that would help reduce emissions and underwater noise.
“Solving the LNG infrastructure gap on the West Coast will play a vital role in creating new markets for lower-emission fuels and a more sustainable maritime industry,” Seaspan Energy President Ian McIver said.
“We understand the importance,” he continued, “of providing low-carbon bunkering solutions for ship owners who want to decarbonize their operations and we are committed to supporting the transition to cleaner, lower-emission marine fuels in British Columbia, Canada and the world.”
