LNG Bunkering Launches at Port of Vancouver (BC, Canada)

The Port of Vancouver (BC Canada) has marked a significant milestone in maritime sustainability with the first-ever liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering of a cruise vessel. The operation, conducted by Seaspan Energy’s LNG bunker vessel Seaspan Garibaldi, supplied the alternative fuel to a cruise ship preparing to sail north to Alaska. This development signals the beginning of LNG refueling for deep-sea cruise vessels at the port, positioning Vancouver as a key player in the transition toward lower-emission marine operations.

LNG is the first alternative fuel to be made widely available in the international shipping sector and approved for large-scale bunkering at the Port of Vancouver. Its introduction supports the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s ongoing initiatives to reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices among visiting vessels. The shift from conventional marine fuels—such as heavy fuel oil and marine diesel—to LNG is considered an essential step in aligning port operations with global decarbonization goals, including those set by the International Maritime Organization to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Although biofuels have previously been available in limited volumes at the port, LNG represents the first major alternative to diesel-based fuels offered at scale. It is expected to pave the way for future integration of next-generation fuels such as ammonia. Seaspan Energy, which received LNG bunkering accreditation from the port authority in late 2023, currently operates a fleet of three LNG bunkering vessels on the West Coast of North America. The company has already carried out multiple successful LNG refueling operations in Vancouver for container ships, car carriers, and bulk cargo vessels.

The LNG accreditation process included a comprehensive safety assessment led by the port authority, incorporating international best practices and site-specific planning. The successful integration of LNG into the port’s fuel infrastructure reflects the authority’s commitment to both safety and environmental stewardship. The port continues to handle various LNG-fueled vessels safely on a routine basis.

Vancouver’s cruise industry, now in its third decade as a homeport for Alaska sailings, remains central to the port’s sustainability agenda. Cruise lines calling at Vancouver have actively adopted shore power and engaged in voluntary environmental programs such as the ECHO Program, which seeks to protect marine life through reduced vessel speeds in sensitive areas. In 2023, more than 90% of cruise operators participated in ECHO, and over 80% of cruise calls in 2024 are expected to connect to the port’s hydro-powered shore grid. Since 2009, the use of shore power has eliminated more than 45,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions from port-related cruise activities.

The port’s commitment to environmental leadership has been recognized through initiatives like the Blue Circle Awards, presented to 5 cruise lines last year for advancing ecological performance. With 301 cruise calls projected in 2025, each contributing an average of CA$3 million to the local economy, Vancouver remains a pivotal gateway for Alaska-bound voyages and a growing hub for sustainable maritime operations.