LNG dual-fuel ferry starts service early

The vessel is the third of three new LNG dual-fuel Salish Class ships, and will operate on the Tsawwassen – Southern Gulf Islands route.

The Vice President of Engineering at BC Ferries, Mark Wilson, said: “The 53-year old Queen of Nanaimo, which is set to retire from the BC Ferries’ fleet this fall, experienced a mechanical problem with the starboard controllable pitch propeller last week and repair plans continue for that the vessel.

“Engineers have been unable to determine the root cause of the problem with the Queen of Nanaimo as yet, so we are focusing our crew resources into getting the new ship, Salish Raven, into service sooner than we had originally planned.”

Salish Raven will be based at the Tsawwassen terminal for the summer servicing the Southern Gulf Islands. Salish Eagle, its sister vessel, commenced service in June, and will now move to Long Harbour on Salt Spring Island to sail in the Southern Gulf Islands. Salish Orca, meanwhile, entered service on the Comox – Powell River route in May. All three vessels are dual-fuel, capable of operating on either marine diesel or LNG.

Wilson added: “In less than three months, we will have introduced three new ships into service which has been an amazing coordination of effort and resources with our shipboard crews, shore side support teams, fleet maintenance unit and vessel replacement programme staff.

“We’re pleased to now welcome our customers aboard Salish Raven and the ship will provide safe and reliable service for our passengers for decades to come.”

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/02082017/lng-dual-fuel-ferry-starts-service-early/