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Dual-fuel Canadian Ferries to be classed by LR

Dual-fuel Canadian Ferries to be classed by LR
Lloyd's Register (LR) is to class three LNG-fuelled ferries that BC Ferries has contracted Poland’s Remontowa Shipbuilding to construct.

The "Intermediate Class" vessels will be the first in BC Ferries’ fleet capable of dual-fuel propulsion using either diesel fuel or LNG. The move will “reduce upward pressure on fares due to lower fuel costs for LNG,” as well as substantially reducing the vessels’ carbon footprint during operation, according to BC Ferries vp of Engineering Mark Wilson.

"BC Ferries is very pleased to have LR as the classification society on these new ‘Intermediate Class’ ferries,” said Wilson. “LR has had a strong relationship with BC Ferries over the years and has the necessary experience and presence in Canada as we make this important transition to LNG-fuelled ferries."

Bud Streeter, president at LR Canada, added that there is a positive outlook for LNG bunkering in Canada: "There is availability of Canadian gas at highly competitive prices, so commercially this is looking like a smart decision for BC Ferries.

“Our job was, and will be, to help ensure safety and reliability in the design, build and the bunkering and operation of these ships,” said Streeter. “Passengers are the most valuable cargo so we will endeavour to contribute to the safe operation of these ships. LNG can provide significant environmental benefits and, as BC Ferries is well aware, safety comes first.”

Lloyd’s Register has recently entered into a variety of LNG-related projects in Quebec and British Columbia in Canada, the LNG-hybrid “Texelstroom” ice-class ferry in the Netherlands, an LNG-powered icebreaker in Finland, and an LNG-bunkering facility for ferries in Portsmouth.