LNG-fuelled ferry arrives in B.C.

The vessel is the first of three new Salish Class vessels built for the company. The other two are the Salish Eagle and the Salish Raven, which are expected to arrive in B.C. in Spring 2017, ready to start service in the Southern Gulf Islands later in the year. These vessels primarily use natural gas as fuel and are each powered by three Wärtsilä 8L20DF engines. They are each 107 m long, have a gross tonnage of 8728 t, feature two car decks, have a service speed of 15.5 knots, and are capable of carrying 145 vehicles and 600 passengers and crew.

Mike Corrigan, the President and CEO of BC Ferries, said: “This is a very exciting day for all of us at BC Ferries as we proudly welcome this beautiful ship, Salish Orca, home to British Columba and into our fleet.

“The Salish Class vessels will provide us cost savings and efficiencies with standardised vessels and greater interoperability as well as enhance safety well into the future. They are very well built ships, which will serve our customers for many years to come.”

Once Salish Orca clears Canadian Customs and final inspections have been carried out, it will be officially handed over to BC Ferries. Over the course of the next couple of months, the ship’s crew will be trained and familiarised with the operation of the vessel. After public open houses in Powell River and Comox, Salish Orca will commence service on that route in Spring 2017.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/12012017/lng-fuelled-ferry-arrives-in-bc/