Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Seaspan-Swift

Seaspan Ferries Corporation (SFC), a prominent Canadian transportation provider, made significant strides towards sustainability with the official addition of two dual-fuel and hybrid ferries during a formal commissioning event at the Tilbury Terminal on April 9. The new vessels, named Seaspan Swift and Seaspan Reliant, are notable for being the first eco-friendly ferries of their type in North America, utilizing a combination of diesel, liquefied natural gas, and battery power. British Columbia Premier Christy Clark celebrated the launch, stating, "The Seaspan Swift and Seaspan Reliant are the first of the next generation of vessels fuelled by B.C.’s clean-burning LNG.” Constructed at Sedef Shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey, Seaspan Swift made its way to British Columbia in December 2016 and commenced operations in January 2017. The Seaspan Reliant followed, arriving in late February and is slated to start its services later this month, as reported by SFC. Measuring 148.9 meters in length, these ferries can carry up to 59 trailers, and their arrival marks the first addition to SFC’s fleet since 2002.

The carbon footprint of cargo shipments to Vancouver Island is set to decrease significantly with the recent delivery of North America's pioneering hybrid cargo ferry, the Seaspan Swift. This innovative vessel, equipped with a dual system powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and electricity, was launched by a Richmond, B.C.-based company known for its cutting-edge battery technology. Expected to enhance operational efficiency, the Seaspan Swift will facilitate transportation between the mainland and Vancouver Island, with a second vessel, the Seaspan Reliant, scheduled for delivery in early 2017. The advanced battery systems installed in these ferries are projected to reduce fuel costs and emissions by an impressive 15 to 20 percent. With Seaspan responsible for moving 50 percent of all cargo to Vancouver Island, this transition to hybrid technology marks a significant stride towards greener maritime logistics. Corvus Energy, also based in Richmond, played a crucial role in this initiative by providing the large lithium-ion battery systems for the ferries. According to Sean Puchalski, Vice President of Corvus Energy, the traditional method for backup power involved running a secondary generator continuously, a practice that this new technology aims to revolutionize.

Seaspan Ferries Corporation (SFC), headquartered in Canada, proudly announced the delivery of the Seaspan Swift, marking a significant addition to its fleet. This cutting-edge vessel is one of two hybrid ferries equipped with dual-fuel capabilities, allowing it to operate using diesel, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and battery power. Earlier this week, the Seaspan Swift successfully completed its inaugural LNG bunkering operation, utilizing a truck-to-ship process, a collaboration among VARD, FortisBC, and Redwise. This particular method is noted as the first of its kind in North America, showcasing SFC's commitment to innovation and sustainability in maritime transport. "Seaspan Ferries is excited to introduce the Seaspan Swift to our operations," stated Steve Roth, Vice President of SFC.