Remontowa will undertake conversion of two BC Ferries' vessels

Work includes the conversion of both vessels to dual fuel so they can operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG). The vessels involved are the Spirit of British Columbia and Spirit of Vancouver Island which are both 167.5m long and carry 2,100 passengers and crew. BC Ferries conducted a competitive bidding process. One shipyard from the state of British Columbia in Canada, Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyard, was among the three shipyards shortlisted and invited to participate in the tender. But Vancouver Shipyard decided to withdraw. “Last fiscal year, we spent approximately C$118 million on diesel fuel of which the two Spirit Class vessels consumed approximately 16%,” said Mr Mark Wilson, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Engineering. “By utilising LNG to fuel the Spirit-Class vessels, we expect to reduce CO2 emissions by 12,000 tonnes annually.” In addition to the LNG conversion, safety systems will be renewed or upgraded on the ships including the marine evacuation systems, rescue boats, fire detection system, public address system and installation of a local water mist fire protection system. The passenger areas will receive an interior design refresh. Upgrades to the passenger elevators include renewal of mechanical and electrical drive components, emergency communication system and upgrades to the electrical and control systems. Planned renewal of navigation equipment, propulsion equipment components including rudders, steering system, bow thrusters and propeller blades will also occur.
Installation of LED lighting and more efficient air conditioning equipment will reduce energy consumption. BC Ferries is planning for the Spirit of British Columbia to be the first ship to be modernised and commence actual conversion from the autumn of 2017 through to the spring of 2018, and the Spirit of Vancouver Island to follow the following year from the autumn of 2018 through the spring of 2019. The Spirit of British Columbia was built in 1993 and the Spirit of Vancouver Island was built in 1994. BC Ferries plans to operate these two vessels for another 25 years.