Seaspan launches second LNG bunkering vessel
Canada’s Seaspan Energy on April 12 announced the launch of the 7,600 m3 LNG bunkering vessel, Seaspan Lions, at the CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (CIMC SOE) shipyard in China. This the second in the series of three vessels Seaspan has ordered at CIMC SOE.
The Seaspan Lions will provide LNG fuelling services for vessels on the West Coast of North America. The Seaspan Garibaldi, which is the first of the series, will be based in the Panama region. The Seaspan Garibaldi and the Seaspan Lions, will be delivered in 2024 with the third vessel arriving in 2025.
The LNG bunker vessel is 112.8 meters in length, 18.6 meters in width, and 5 meters in draft, with a design speed of 13 knots. It has been designed in collaboration with Vard Marine, a Canadian-based firm, which has helped incorporate technologies that will result in a decrease in emissions and underwater noise.
“Solving the LNG infrastructure gap on the West Coast will play a vital role in creating new markets for lower-emission fuels and a more sustainable maritime industry,” said Ian McIver, president of Seaspan Energy.
The Seaspan series of vessels are designed to engage in ship-to-ship LNG transfer and coastal and short-sea shipping operations.