VESSEL REVIEW | Zewen – Floating base for Canadian operator's escort tug fleet

HaiSea Marine, a joint venture business formed by the Haisla Nation of British Columbia and Canadian shipping line Seaspan, have introduced a new floating operations facility that will serve as the home base for its fleet of low-emission tugs.

Maintenance base for a vital tug fleet

Built by Pacific Marine Construction of British Columbia, Zewen (the name for the Coho salmon in the Haisla language) will host HaiSea Marine’s fleet of LNG-powered escort tugs and fully-electric harbour tugs required for LNG Canada’s new export facility in Kitimat.

These tugs will also be used for transportation of materiel and personnel, marine emergency response, firefighting, and oil pollution response. The facility was developed to support these tugs, which were selected for their low-emission propulsion promising reduced environmental impact in the waters of the Kitimat region, for a period of at least 12 years.

Durable floating base for extreme inland environments

The floating concrete facility was purpose-designed and -built to also withstand the extreme tidal range and harsh weather conditions in the Kitimat region.

The facility is divided into two main areas including a large workshop area combined with common spaces and a gym that will also accommodate eight shore-based personnel to use the spaces during normal working hours. Space is also available for enclosed toilets and changing rooms.

As a floating base, Zewen will help streamline HaiSea Marine's tug operations in support of activities at LNG Canada's Kitimat export terminal. Specifically, the tugs need not have to sail all the way to ports or yards with extensive repair facilities if all they will require is routine maintenance. This then frees up the operator's other assets to serve vessels in need of more comprehensive repairs.

Zewen was towed to Kitimat following its completion at Pacific Marine Construction’s facilities on Wei Wai Kum territory in Campbell River.