The world’s first fully electric tugboat, HaiSea Marine, which is majority owned by Haisla Nation and is partnered with Seaspan ULC, passed under the Lions Gate Bridge for the first time last week.
The HaiSea Wamis will carry out missions for North Shore residents in the Vancouver Harbour and other locations over the next year. Fortunately, the HaiSea Wamis runs on 100% electric power and is quick, effective, and quiet, so it won’t be heard.
As the first of three fully electric tugboats, the HaiSea Wamis combined with HaiSea’s incoming dual-fuel (LNG and diesel) escort tugs, will be the start of the greenest tugboat fleet in the world. The fleet will make the journey up the Douglas Channel to Kitimat where they will be based and provide ship-assist and escort towing services to LNG carriers calling at LNG Canada’s new export facility in the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation.
“The arrival of the HaiSea Wamis is a special moment for our team and our partners and represents a dream coming true. I look forward to the moment when the Wamis sets sail for Kitimat and boards its first crew of six – all from the Haisla Nation.”
Jordan Pechie, Senior Vice President of Seaspan Marine Transportation.
HaiSea’s green fleet will have a total battery capacity of 5288 kWh. The ElectraRA 2800, a new series of battery-powered harbour tugs, has been specifically designed by Vancouver-based Naval architect firm Robert Allan. The innovate propulsion system meets the requirements of assisting LNG carriers on and off the berths at the LNG Canada terminal. The RAstar 4000-DF escort tugs are powered with dual fuel (LNG and Diesel) and feature a 100 tonne bollard pull, making them Canada’s most powerful escort tugs.
Seaspan ULC and the Haisla Nation both own the joint venture, HaiSea Marine. The partners pride themselves on the considerable knowledge and experience they share in regard to operating in Northern British Columbia. HaiSea Marine is a natural choice for providing responsible and dependable marine services in the area due to the partners’ extensive experience and knowledge of Northern British Columbia.
News sourced from SeaSpan.
Image Copyright © Yvon Perchoc
