Spirit of British Columbia, one of the two largest vessels of BC Ferries, the largest ferry operator in the North America, was back on her route from 6 June 2018 on, i.e. Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen) – Victoria (Swartz Bay) connection, following modernization, upgrade and machinery conversion completed in March at the Remontowa SA, the shipbuilding company says in a press release.
This is the first of two „Spirit” class vessels, on which Remontowa Shiprepair Yard SA, belonging to the Remontowa Holding capital group, converted the propulsion system from traditional to environmentally friendly one, fed by natural gas, stored as LNG. Currently, the ship’s engine room is dual fuel, adapted to be fed both with low-sulfur diesel oil and natural gas as the main fuel. After the conversion, the „Spirit” class vessels will reduce CO2 emissions by 12,500 tons per year, which corresponds to the removal of around 2,500 vehicles per year.
BC Ferries is a North American leader in terms of innovative technologies. Spirit of British Columbia is the world’s first ferry that can be refuelled from a road tanker on a completely closed car deck (not weatherdeck).
Other elements of the upgrade carried out at Remontowa SA yard included: replacement of navigation equipment, modernization or replacement of drive system components, including reduction gears and propeller blades, as well as steering system and bow thrusters overhauls, installation of modern LED lighting or more efficient ventilation and air conditioning equipment, reducing energy consumption, in addition to installation of four MES (marine evacuation system) stations.
Further to the modification of the propulsion system, passenger areas have been also refurbished and modernized on the ship. New carpets have been laid on the deck, the furniture covered with new upholstery, all bathrooms renovated, and an additional bathroom built on deck No. 5.