BC Ferries’ Spirit of Vancouver is back on service after its mid-life upgrade, it now runs on LNG. The ship is the second Spirit Class vessel in the fleet to complete the conversion from diesel to clean LNG.
Mainly, Mark Collins, President and CEO of BC Ferries commented that now both Spirit Class vessels operate on LNG. Therefore, the company aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 12,500 tonnes annually, which is equal to removing 2,500 cars from the road every year.
Operating these vessels on natural gas is both environmentally sound and good for affordable travel. We expect to reduce fuel costs by millions of dollars by running these vessels on LNG.
… Mark Collins stated.
Moreover, the Spirit of Vancouver is serving the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay) route. It also completed the conversion in winter and spring.
During summer 2018, the Spirit of British Columbia was also upgraded an runs on LNG now.
As Collins highlighted
BC Ferries is reducing our environmental footprint. We are safeguarding the environment, while finding new ways to improve the sustainability of our operations.
Concerning the Spirit of Vancouver Island’s upgrade, it experienced safety, mechanical, environmental, and customer service improvements.
Specifically, it has a more efficient air conditioning equipment installed, to reduce energy consumption.
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Also, it received upgrades to the passenger area with new carpeting and an additional washroom and has a new machinery control system, navigation system, internal communication system and safety and evacuation systems.
Concluding, according to the company, the vessel’s upgrade will enable it to fully operate for additional 25 years. The upgrade was completed at Remontowa Ship Repair Yard S.A. in Gdansk, Poland. The Spirit of Vancouver Island has been servicing the Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay) run, the busiest route in the fleet, since 1993.
