As BC Ferries makes the switch to LNG, Wärtsilä is supplying more than just the equipment â they have been a partner through every stage of the process, from initial design and installation to staff training and on-going support. Every day, year-round, BC Ferries transports tens of thousands of cars and people across British Columbia, Canada, making them one of the biggest ferry companies in the world. âWe are very conscious of our environmental impact and want to help preserve the pristine west coast of Canada,â? says Mark Wilson, Vice President, Engineering, BC Ferries. âEven though we already meet the current regulations, we are always looking at ways to improve our environmental footprint even further.â?
Three new LNG-powered vessels were commissioned and are currently under construction at the Remontowa Ship Yard in Poland. The first vessel is expected to be delivered before the end of the year. Concurrently, BC Ferriesâ two biggest vessels, the Spirit of British Columbia and Spirit of Vancouver Island, will undergo an upgrade and conversion to LNG propulsion. Wärtsilä is supplying the complete power, electrical and automation systems, as well as the LNG fuel storage and bunkering installation for the three new vessels. The three new vessels will be the first of a new generation of vessels for BC Ferries. Any additional vessels over the coming years will be based on the same standard concept, thus reducing the variety of models in its fleet.
