The cruise ship Silver Nova has been refueled with liquefied natural gas at the Port of Vancouver, becoming the first passenger vessel to receive this type of fuel at the Canadian terminal.
First cruise ship refueled with LNG
The supply was carried out by the vessel Seaspan Garibaldi, operated by Seaspan Energy. Seaspan Energya company that supplies LNG on the West Coast of North America. The operation strengthens Vancouver’s role as a strategic point in the adoption of alternative marine fuels, positioning the port as a center of innovation in maritime sustainability.
LNG has been approved as a marine fuel in the Port of Vancouver, the first to be available in competitive quantities. In addition, its use reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur and fine particulate matter, contributing to the decarbonization goals set by the International Maritime Organization for 2050.
Since 2023, Seaspan Energy has been accredited to operate ship-to-ship bunkering services in this region. To date, it has successfully operated container ships, bulk carriers and now cruise ships, strengthening a green logistics network that expands from Vancouver to the Pacific.
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has actively promoted the implementation of clean technologies at the terminal. Among its achievements are the shore power system, which allows vessels to turn off engines and connect to the hydroelectric grid, and conservation programs such as ECHO, aimed at protecting marine species.
More than 80% of cruise ship calls planned for 2024 will have access to shore power, and more than 90% of the lines operating in the area participate in environmental initiatives promoted by the port authority.
The collaboration between LNG supplier FortisBC, as logistics operator, and the port authority has been key to achieving this milestone. The technical and regulatory support received has ensured safe operations consistent with international standards.
The supply of LNG to the Silver Nova paves the way for new practices in ship energy supply, and anticipates a port ecosystem increasingly focused on energy efficiency, environmental compliance and technological innovation.
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Source and photo: Port of Vancouver
