VESSEL REVIEW | HaiSea Kermode – LNG-fuelled escort tug enters service in British Columbia, Canada

Canadian towage company HaiSea Marine, a joint venture business formed by the Haisla Nation of British Columbia and local shipping line Seaspan, has taken delivery of the first in a new series of two LNG-fuelled ASD tugs that will be used primarily to escort gas carriers between the Pacific Ocean and British Columbia’s coastal waters.

Built to a design by Vancouver-based naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd (RAL), the tug has been named HaiSea Kermode by the Gitga’at First Nation after a species of bear native to British Columbia. The vessel is notable for its dual-fuel propulsion that runs on both LNG and diesel, making it one of the first LNG-fuelled tugs to be operated in Canada. Following delivery, the tug has been put to use escorting gas carriers between the Pacific Ocean and LNG Canada’s new export terminal in Kitimat via the Douglas Channel and Hecate Strait.

The newbuild has a length of 40.2 metres, a moulded beam of 16 metres, a maximum draught of 7.1 metres, a moulded depth of six metres, a gross tonnage of 996, and a projected operational service life of 40 years. The dual-fuel propulsion delivers a bollard pull of more than 100 tonnes. The propulsion also has the ability to generate indirect forces in escort of approximately 200 tonnes.

Although the tug will feature an exhaust gas aftertreatment system in full compliance with IMO Tier III emissions standards, it will actually perform the entirety of its regular escort missions using LNG as its fuel. RAL claims that, when operating in this mode on the 159-nautical-mile escort routes in each direction from Kitimat to the pilot station near Triple Island, the vessel’s emissions, in particular those of CO2, will be significantly reduced compared to even IMO Tier III standards.

The tug will also be capable of pollution response, with a considerable onboard capacity for storing recovered oil, thus complementing other dedicated assets in the region. It will also be capable of emergency towage of vessels that may find themselves in distress with an aft towing system for the purpose. External firefighting is possible thanks to the installation of a 2,400m³/h pump in accordance with the American Bureau of Shipping’s FFV 1 notation.

The deck equipment includes an electric hawser winch to further reduce emissions. The accommodations are outfitted to a high standard with spacious dedicated cabins and en suite toilets for all regular crew. The interiors also benefit from natural light, and well in excess of regulatory standards. Particular attention has been paid to minimise onboard noise and vibration, enhancing crew comfort during periods of sustained operations.

HaiSea Kermode will be joined in service by sister vessel HaiSea Warrior, which is scheduled for delivery later this year.