BC Eyes LNG Bunkering Hub as Seaspan Energy Sets Record

The Canadian province of British Columbia could become a major hub for transpacific liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering, driven by growing demand for lower-carbon fuels in maritime shipping.

Seaspan Energy (SE), a subsidiary of the Seaspan Marine group of companies, has completed its 150th ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation in under two years since it launched operations. This achievement puts SE seventh overall in LNG bunkering volume rankings, according to Lansdowne Moritz.

The growth of LNG as a fuel source is fueled by the need for cleaner and more efficient shipping practices. The World Bank Group's 'Ports, Ships, and Fuels' report notes that LNG is currently the most widely deployed alternative marine fuel, with approximately 470 LNG-fueled ships in service globally and over 400 on order.

A.P. Moller-Maersk and other top ocean carrier lines remain committed to reducing their carbon footprints and increasing energy efficiency. However, concerns over fuel availability, regulatory uncertainty, and comparative cost have dampened demand for dual-fuel ships.