Shore power arrives at Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal

SWARTZ BAY, BC, March 6, 2013 /CNW/ - Seaspan Ferries Corporation will be installing shore power at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal thanks to funding from the Government of Canada through the Shore Power Technology for Ports Program.

Shore power is a highly effective way to reduce marine diesel air emissions by enabling ships to shut down their engines and connect to the local electrical grid in order to power their on-board systems while docked.

"Our government is proud to invest in shore power at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal," said the Honourable James Moore, Minister Responsible for British Columbia. "This initiative will help protect the environment and improve our air quality around the Saanich Peninsula, and it will reduce operating costs for the ferries."

Once installed, shore power will decrease fuel consumption at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal by approximately 70,000 litres annually, representing a net savings of about $45,000 and an approximate 210,000 kg reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

"Seaspan Ferries is pleased to participate in the Shore Power Technology for Ports Program at our Swartz Bay Terminal," said Steve Roth, Vice President. "Vessels will reduce fuel consumption while in port, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution. We thank the Government of Canada for their support in this project."

Seaspan Ferries will receive up to $89,650 from the Government of Canada towards the total project cost of $179,300.

Funding for the Shore Power Technology for Ports Program was provided under the Clean Transportation Initiatives in Budget 2011 as part of the renewal of the Government of Canada's Clean Air Agenda.

The Clean Transportation Initiatives focus on aligning Canadian regulations with those in the United States and with international standards, improving the efficiency of the transportation system, and advancing green technologies through innovative programs such as Shore Power Technology for Ports. These initiatives will help Canada achieve its economy-wide target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020.

Seaspan ULC is an association of Canadian companies primarily involved in coastal marine transportation, shipdocking/ship escort, ship repair and shipbuilding services in Western North America and is committed to the long-term conservation of Canadian oceans. Seaspan Ferries Corporation, a subsidiary of Seaspan ULC, is a commercial roll on - roll off ferry service providing transportation between British Columbia's Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island's Nanaimo and Swartz Bay terminals, and thereby provides a very important link for commerce to and from the Island.

SOURCE: Government of Canada

For further information:

Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055

Kelly Francis
Seaspan ULC
604-990-1829

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