Gaz Métro, through its subsidiary Gaz Métro LNG, L.P., and the Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) announced that they have entered into an agreement in principle for the purchase of fuel to supply three new ferries with liquefied natural gas (LNG). Currently being designed in a Québec naval shipyard, two of the future ships will be assigned to the Tadoussac─Baie-Sainte-Catherine ferry service, while a third ship—under construction in Italy—will be used for the Matane─Baie-Comeau─Godbout link. These ferries will be among the first in North America to use LNG, and their commissioning is set to begin in 2015.
“We are very pleased to be working with the STQ and actively participating in this innovative project, which is another example of the natural gas industry’s relevance and credibility in supplying fuel to the transport sector. This is a major first for maritime transport in Québec, adding to the recent breakthroughs in merchandise road transportation,” said Sophie Brochu, President and Chief Executive Officer at Gaz Métro .
Georges Farrah, STQ president and CEO , adds, “This agreement is an important step for the future commissioning of our three new ferries utilizing green technologies. The many advantages of natural gas, including a reduction of at least 20% in greenhouse gas emissions, led us to choose this fuel. Moreover, the STQ is determined to play an active role in the Québec Government’s collective sustainable development strategy.”
Economic and environmental benefits of natural gas
The transportation industry as a whole is the biggest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter in Québec, accounting for 42.5% of the province’s total emissions in 2010. With this in mind, natural gas is an ideal solution, as it makes it possible to significantly reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx) and fine particles.
Furthermore, it should be noted that fuel is one of the top budget items in the transportation industry, and that natural gas could generate significant savings compared with diesel. By choosing natural gas as the fuel of the future, transporters improve their environmental footprint and benefit from substantial financial savings.
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Gaz Métro, September 30, 2013