The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has granted its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering accreditation, allowing Seaspan Energy, based in North Vancouver, to refuel select ships calling at the Port of Vancouver with LNG.
This milestone follows a comprehensive multi-year evaluation process that adhered to international best practices for safety, including the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF) recommended guidelines. As part of the rigorous accreditation, the port authority undertook the following steps:
- Operational Assessment: Reviewed LNG bunkering procedures to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
- Site Approval: Designated and evaluated specific LNG bunkering locations, considering safety and the impact on daily port operations.
- Risk Management: Conducted risk assessments to identify potential hazards, propose mitigations, and assess emergency response plans.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaged with key partners, including local fire departments, the Canadian Coast Guard, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
This accreditation marks LNG as the first officially approved alternative fuel for ship bunkering at the Canadian port, aligning with global shipping industry efforts to transition from traditional heavy fuels and meet emissions reduction targets.
LNG and other fuels are already handled safely at the port of Vancouver, with LNG-fuelled vessels, including tankers, car carriers, and cruise ships, regularly visiting the port. Seaspan Energy is advancing plans to operate three LNG bunkering vessels—Seaspan Garibaldi, Seaspan Lions, and Seaspan Baker—each named after iconic West Coast mountains.
With this accreditation, LNG-powered ships can now refuel directly at the port, promoting greater efficiency and sustainability at Canada’s largest port. Seaspan Energy will be required to renew its accreditation annually to maintain compliance with stringent safety and operational standards.
Additionally, LNG-powered ships can benefit from the port authority’s EcoAction incentive program, which offers up to a 75% discount on harbour dues for voluntary investments in cleaner fuels, technologies, and environmental practices.
