China-based CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (CIMC SOE) has secured a contract from Seaspan ULC for two new liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkers.
Under the contract, CIMC SOE will construct two 7,600m³ LNG bunker vessels, which will be used in the Pacific Northwest Region.
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The contract also has an option for the construction of a third vessel.
The first LNG bunker is anticipated to be delivered and enter operation in 2024.
Seaspan collaborated with the Canadian-based team at VARD Marine for the design of the LNG bunker vessels.
The companies worked together to integrate emerging technologies, which would cut down emissions and underwater noise, into the vessels.
The vessels were also designed to support the refuelling of multiple ship types, with the potential to transfer to and from a wide range of terminals.
Furthermore, the design will enable the vessel to be involved in ship-to-ship LNG transfer, in addition to coastal and short sea shipping operations.
Seaspan is continuously expanding its LNG vessel portfolio, which currently includes LNG-powered ferries, Escort DF (LNG and diesel) tugboats for HaiSea Marine, and an LNG-fuelled vessel conversion programme at Seaspan Shipyards in Victoria.
Recently, Seaspan also signed agreements with an undisclosed shipyard for the construction of four ultra-modern 7,700 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) dual-fuel LNG containerships.
After receiving the vessels, the company will enter long-term charters with a major global liner customer.
