B.C. Ferries has awarded Remontowa Shipbuilding of Gdansk, Poland, a $92.3-million contract to build an additional liquefied natural gas-fuelled ferry to be delivered in 2022.
The new vessel, which will service the Southern Gulf Islands, will be identical to the three Salish-class vessels built by the shipyard for B.C. Ferries in 2016.
“Our Clean Futures Plan is our path to replace diesel fuels with cleaner energy options,” said Jamie Marshall, vice-president of business development.
“While this cannot be achieved in a single step, we are continually seeking energy sources that offer a cleaner, lower carbon-intensity option to displace non-renewable diesel.”
The 107-metre vessel will be B.C. Ferries’ sixth powered by LNG and will have the capacity to carry at least 138 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew. It will allow for the retirement of the Mayne Queen, which is fuelled by diesel.
Onboard amenities will include a Coastal Café, Passages retail store, children’s play area and a passenger lounge.— Times Colonist
