Seaspan Ferries Corporation (SFC) announced the arrival of the Seaspan Reliant, the second of two new dual-fuelled/hybrid ferries to its fleet. Both vessels are diesel, liquefied natural gas and battery ferries.
The new state-of-the-art vessel, currently docked at the SFC Tilbury Terminal in Delta, arrived home after an eight-week journey that spanned a total of 10,661 nautical miles following its construction at Sedef Shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey.
“The arrival of the Seaspan Reliant marks a proud milestone in the history of Seaspan Ferries Corporation,” said Steve Roth –President, Seaspan Ferries. “With the introduction of a second new technologically advanced, LNG-fuelled vessel to our fleet, we are living out a clear commitment to our drop-trailer customers as well to the waterways in which we operate. As with the Seaspan Swift, the Seaspan Reliant will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions dramatically compared to other current alternatives while delivering the highest level of efficiency, performance and reliability.”
The 148.9 metre ferry, which can accommodate up to 59, 53’ trailers, will now undergo a series of regulatory inspections and crew training programs throughout March, before entering operation in April.
The Seaspan Reliant, along with its sister ship the Seaspan Swift, which arrived in December 2016 and entered operation in January 2017, mark the first vessels added to SFC’s fleet since 2002.
Seaspan Ferries Corporation currently operates a fleet of seven ferries out of five terminals in British Columbia, and supplies more than 50% of all cargo to Vancouver Island.
Source & Image credit: Seaspan Ferries Corporation
