Hybrid Ferries Span the Sea in British Columbia

The Canadian Seaspan Ferries Corporation provides a roll-on roll-off marine ferry service connecting Delta and Vancouver with the British Columbia lower mainland. It has begun using hybrid ferries to transport containers and semi-trailers between these points. These will complement an existing fleet of ferries and tug-barges propelled by other means. While this is only a small start, we find the potential hugely interesting.

Seaspan Welcomes First of Two Hybrid Ferries

Technical details are currently sketchy. What we know comes largely from the Bureau Veritas testing, inspection, and certification service. On January 16, 2017, it announced that Seaspan Ferries Corporation took delivery of the ferry Seaspan Swift. It claims this is the first hybrid battery and liquid natural gas powered vessel in service. Moreover it is the first ship fueled with liquid natural gas on Canada’s west coast. We apologize for the lack of soundtrack in the videos. Perhaps the voice-over was originally Turkish.

SeaSpan Hybrid Ferry Launch

The 150-meter vessel left the shipbuilders yard in Istanbul on an undisclosed date. Then it sailed 10,661 nautical miles (or 12,268 land miles) to the Seaspan Delta terminal. It is now in service following licensing tests, and crew orientation. The second of the hybrid ferries, Seaspan Reliant is nearing completion in Istanbul.

More Details about the Technology Behind the Hybrid Ferries

On December 21, 2016, CBC News revealed that liquid natural gas is the primary propellant of the hybrid ferries. The motors charge a pack of lithium ion batteries held in ‘spinning reserve’ for emergencies. They are also used for navigating in sensitive areas where gas pollution is unwelcome. The sleek, 150-meter vessel, with a 25-meter beam and working draft of 4.2-meters has capacity for 80 semitrailers, or the equivalent number of containers.

When we checked with Vessel Finder yesterday, Seaspan Swift was approaching Vancouver on the west coast of Canada at a speed of 15.9 knots (or 18.25 miles per hour). We wish her crew smooth sailing in their lovely brand new ship. If we have the opportunity, we will visit her at the quayside and report back on her hybrid ferry batteries.