AWARDS 2024 | Best Medium Bunkering Ship – Seaspan Garibaldi – Vard Marine
A very interesting and very multi-national collaboration produced this first of a series of three versatile and useful ships for a very experienced west coast Canadian owner.
Designed locally by Vard Marine and built in China, the ship will mostly operate along the Panamanian and British Columbia coasts and around their ports although it is well capable of operating anywhere in the world.
It is capable of dual fuel operations and supply and can easily be modified for hybrid propulsion if required.
"Seaspan Garibaldi is the first dedicated North American LNG bunkering vessel and the first North American LNG dual-fuelled vessel able to fuel herself from her cargo," Darren Truelock, Vard Marine's Vice President for Operations in Houston, told Baird Maritime. "That’s special if you ask me."
Truelock remarked that the, "very close and integrated relationship with the owner and their requirements," ensured that the design work on the bunkering vessel proceeded smoothly.
Derek Buxton, Vice President of Business Development at Vard Marine, added that the company is, "very optimistic about the future," as 2024 proved to be a productive year given the uptick in newbuild orders.
"We do not see this relenting in the future," said Buxton. "Both commercial and government/naval shipbuilding starts are seen to be on a growth trajectory. Our ability to remain agile and leverage a very diverse portfolio of reference works positions us well for success in this environment."
Truelock believes the liquid cargo industry will witness growing demand for small-scale bunkering ships and barges, and this will be true for both liquid and gas cargo.
"There are hundreds if not thousands of vessels being built today that will require alternative fuel bunkering solutions in ports around the globe," Truelock told Baird Maritime.
When asked what the Canadian maritime industry would look like in the future, Buxton said those industry need to face the challenge of leveraging the National Shipbuilding Strategy to achieve sustainability.
"Shipyards geared to build ships for just one customer (the Canadian Government) is not sustainable, certainly not on the cost, timescales and efficiency we have witnessed to date," said Buxton. "There is a need to both develop export opportunities and encourage domestic shipbuilding by Canadian fleet owners/operators.
"This will not be without its challenges but requires broader support from all levels of government."
For a list of the 2024 "Best Of" award winners, please click here.
