Seaspan Ferries expands LNG-battery hybrid fleet

Seaspan Ferries said it will be adding two new liquefied natural gas (LNG) – battery hybrid ferries to its fleet in 2021.

The vessels will be constructed by Damen Shipyards Gorinchem at their Mangalia Shipyard in Romania, Seaspan Ferries said in its statement on Thursday.

With construction scheduled to begin in 2019, the vessels are expected to go into operation in 2021. They will join the Seaspan Swift and the Seaspan Reliant, the company’s first hybrid ferries, commissioned just over two years ago.

“Within their first two years of service, our existing LNG hybrid vessels have operated with emission reductions of over 50% compared to traditional vessels; a large part of which is directly linked to the use of LNG fuel,”  Frank Butzelaar, CEO Seaspan Marine Transportation said.

“Expanding our fleet of LNG vessels will allow us to further expand our service offering and reduce emissions at the same time,” Butzelaar said.

Both Ro/Ro vessels will have a length of 149 meters, with 1034 meters of line length.

MAN Energy Solutions will supply the engines and the energy solution systems and the LNG storage with the tank capable holding 209 cubic meters of the chilled fuel and the battery holding 2 MWh.

Vessels will be classed by Bureau Veritas, the statement reads.