“The long-term plan is to convert all of the ships, it makes economic sense,” said BC Ferries’ vicepresident of engineering Mark Collins. In addition, the company is doing a feasibility study on converting the Queen of Capilano, an 85-vehicle ferry that links Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island, into the fleet’s first test LNG-powered vessel.
Macatee’s report, which explored the high costs of providing ferry services and the resulting fares that have “reached the tipping point of affordability,” made a number of recommendations aimed at raising revenues and cutting costs. “The best possibility is a shift to LNG fuel, with a potential saving of $28 million per year,” he said.
According to Collins, all conversions would be done in British Columbia, but companies from Europe are the top prospects for doing the work because they are the industry leaders, reported The Vancouver Sun.
