LNG Bunkering Makes Its Debut at Port of Vancouver: A Sustainable Shift for Shipping in BC Canada

The Port of Vancouver has achieved a significant milestone in maritime sustainability by becoming the first port to provide liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering for a cruise vessel. This operation was carried out by Seaspan Energy using its LNG bunker vessel, Seaspan Garibaldi, to fuel a cruise ship heading to Alaska. This development marks the initiation of LNG refueling for deep-sea cruise ships at Vancouver, establishing the port as a key player in the shift toward lower-emission marine operations.

LNG is the first alternative fuel to be broadly made available within the international shipping sector and has been approved for extensive bunkering at the Port of Vancouver. The adoption of LNG supports the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s aim to reduce emissions while promoting sustainable practices among vessels docking at the port. Transitioning from traditional marine fuels, such as heavy fuel oil and marine diesel, to LNG is crucial in aligning port operations with global decarbonization targets, including the International Maritime Organization’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

While biofuels had been available at the port in limited quantities, LNG is the first major alternative to diesel-based fuels that can be offered at scale. It is anticipated that LNG will pave the way for future integration of next-generation fuels like ammonia. Seaspan Energy, which obtained LNG bunkering accreditation from the port authority in late 2023, operates a fleet of three LNG bunkering vessels along the North American West Coast and has successfully performed multiple LNG refueling operations for container ships, car carriers, and bulk cargo vessels.

The process for LNG accreditation included an extensive safety review conducted by the port authority, which integrated international best practices and site-specific planning. The successful incorporation of LNG into the port’s fuel infrastructure highlights the commitment to safety and environmental responsibility. The port routinely handles various LNG-fueled vessels safely.

Vancouver’s cruise industry, which has served as a homeport for Alaska sailings for three decades, is pivotal to the port’s sustainability objectives. Cruise lines operating from Vancouver have implemented shore power adoption and participated in voluntary environmental initiatives like the ECHO Program, aimed at protecting marine life through reduced vessel speeds in sensitive regions. In 2023, over 90% of cruise operators engaged in ECHO, and it is projected that more than 80% of cruise visits in 2024 will connect to the port’s hydro-powered shore grid. Since 2009, using shore power has resulted in the elimination of over 45,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions tied to cruise activities at the port.

The port’s dedication to environmental leadership has been recognized through initiatives like the Blue Circle Awards, which honored five cruise lines last year for their contributions to ecological performance. With 301 cruise calls expected in 2025, each generating an estimated CA$3 million for the local economy, Vancouver remains a crucial gateway for Alaska-bound cruises and a center for sustainable maritime practices.

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