BC Ferries’ first LNG-fueled vessel, the Salish Orca that arrived in British Columbia in January, is set to conduct a series of sea trials over the following month.
The latest sea trials are part of operational training and to verify the interface with docks at a number of BC Ferries’ terminals.
As part of the commissioning process starting on Friday at Long Harbour on Salt Spring Island, Salish Orca will conduct dock trials at ports in the Southern Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast, Departure Bay, Duke Point, Horseshoe Bay and Swartz Bay.
Salish Orca, the first of three LNG-fueled ferries built for BC Ferries by the Remontowa shipyard in Gdansk, Poland, will enter service on the Powell River – Comox route in the spring, replacing the Queen of Burnaby.
Its sister ships, Salish Eagle and Salish Raven will be brought into service for the Southern Gulf Islands later this year.
The 107-meter Salish class ships will carry 145 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew. The vessels feature two car decks and have a service speed of 15.5 knots. Each ship is powered by three Wartsila 8L20DF engines.
LNG World News Staff