Canadian ferry operator – Société des traversiers du Québec – yesterday officially commissioned the NM F.‑A. Gauthier, the first ferry to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) in North America, and the first ship of any kind to run on LNG in Canada.
NM F.‑A. Gauthier replaced the NM Camille‑Marcoux on the Matane–Baie‑Comeau–Godbout route.
Following an agreement concluded in 2013, Gaz Métro, through its subsidiary Gaz Métro LNG L.P., was chosen as the LNG supplier to fuel three new Société des traversiers du Québec ferries, including the NM F.‑A.‑Gauthier. The two other ships will be assigned to the Tadoussac–Baie‑Sainte‑Catherine crossing.
The use of liquefied natural gas makes it possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25%, compared with marine diesel, in addition to almost completely eliminating fine particle emissions and other air pollutants.
“It’s extraordinary that this major first is happening here in Québec, and Gaz Métro is very proud to be a part of it,” said Martin Imbleau, Vice President, Development and Renewable Energies at Gaz Métro.
“In support of Québec’s Maritime Strategy, LNG is a concrete solution for fighting climate change and allows local shipowners to comply with the increasingly stringent standards regarding polluting emissions on North America’s waterways.”