FortisBC hits 10,000 LNG refueling events

FortisBC Energy recently reached a key milestone with the completion of its 10,000th liquefied natural gas (LNG) refueling event for marine vessels.

Since initiating LNG bunkering operations in 2016, FortisBC has steadily expanded its capabilities and partnerships, including an agreement with the Musqueam Indian Band to collaborate on LNG projects—helping vessel operators transition away from higher‑emitting fuels in alignment with the provincial government’s ‘Look West’ strategy. As more operators convert vessels to LNG, FortisBC continues to focus on meeting demand and advocating for expanded LNG refueling infrastructure to position British Columbia as a leading marine bunkering hub.

“Reaching our 10,000th LNG bunkering delivery is a testament to the innovation, collaboration, and long‑term commitment that defines FortisBC’s approach to providing increased access to lower the carbon intensity of marine energy compared with traditional marine fuels,” Mike Leclair, FortisBC vice president of major projects and LNG, said in a news release. “This milestone reflects not just the growth of our LNG capabilities, but also the shared effort to build a sustainable future for marine transportation with made-in-B.C. refueling solutions.”

The delivery follows a year of firsts at the Port of Vancouver for LNG produced at the company’s Tilbury facility and delivered through Seaspan Energy LNG bunker vessels, including Canada’s first ship-to-ship LNG transfer, the first LNG transfer to a car carrier, and the first cruise ship bound for Alaska fueled with LNG, FortisBC reported. In Vancouver’s English Bay, the first ship-to-ship LNG transfer to a container vessel also was completed. FortisBC is continuing to build on those milestones, with the development of greater ship-to-ship fueling capabilities and additional infrastructure to meet growing demand for LNG in transpacific shipping.

A key driver of this growth in LNG marine refueling is FortisBC’s collaboration with Seaspan Ferries and BC Ferries to develop proprietary tanker‑truck technology that enables safe and efficient LNG fueling directly onboard vessels, the company added. The Seaspan Swift ferry was the first in North America to receive LNG fuel via delivery truck on board an open vehicle deck. 

“As Canada looks to double exports to non-U.S. markets in the next 10 years, the Port of Vancouver will play an outsized role in moving more of what Canadians make, mine, harvest and grow—and we know that must be done with care for the environment,” said Alexa Young, vice president of government, external and environmental affairs at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “LNG bunkering has an important part to play as the first alternative fuel available in significant quantities for the maritime sector.

“We’ve seen cruise, cargo, and container ships all embrace LNG since its introduction to the port last year through approved provider Seaspan Energy, helping reduce air pollutant emissions while keeping Canadian cargo moving.”