Seaspan Energy completes first STS LNG transfer in Long Beach

Seaspan Energy announced it has successfully completed its first LNG ship-to-ship (STS) transfer, bunkering a containership in the Port of Long Beach in the US.

The transfer was performed by Seaspan Garibaldi, a 7,600 cu m LNG bunkering vessel delivered to the Canadian firm in January. Initially destined to operate in and around Panama, the ship will now serve the North American West Coast. The 112.8 metre long vessel is the first in a series of three vessels from CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (CIMC SOE) and is soon to be joined by Seaspan Lions, with Seaspan Baker to follow in 2025.

The vessels are due to serve the Long Beach and Vancouver markets; in November, Seaspan became the first accredited LNG bunkering supplier in Vancouver, authorised by Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) to conduct STS operations for vessels calling the port.

The first transfer marks the launch of Seaspan Energy’s LNG bunkering service on the North American West Coast, and is the result of years of preparation and investment, said Harly Penner, senior vice president, Seaspan Energy.

“Our first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering has been five years in the making and our team is so proud of this milestone especially as this represents the first ship-to-ship bunkering on the West Coast of North America. We are committed to offering large vessel operators a low-carbon fuel solution and this is the first of many successful operations to support a sustainable shift in the global marine sector.”

Related:LNG dominates in record year for alternative-fuelled vessels

Penner is set to become president of Seaspan Energy on the planned retirement of Ian McIver at the end of this year, expanding his current responsibilities for the commercial development and start-up of their LNG bunkering business and execution of Seaspan Energy’s alternative fuels programme. McIver has served as president of the business unit since it was formed in 2023.

Seaspan Energy is part of Seaspan Marine, owned by the Washington Group of Companies.