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LNG ferry refits to be done in Poland

Seaspan withdrew from bidding to convert Spirit of B.C., Spirit of Vancouver Island to dual-fuel capability
News Release
Salish Orca is one of three new mid-sized vessels being built in Gdansk, Poland, where the two Spirit-class vessels will go for refit and conversion to LNG fuel capability next year.

After the only B.C. shipyard in the bidding withdrew, BC Ferries has contracted with Remontowa Ship Repair Yard in Poland for $140 million to upgrade its two Spirit-class ferries.

Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyard dropped out after being chosen as one of the three shortlisted bidders. Remontowa, one of Europe's largest shipyards, is also building three smaller Salish-class ferries to replace aging vessels on the Comox-Powell River and Southern Gulf Islands runs.

Like the new Salish-class ships, the Spirit of British Columbia and the Spirit of Vancouver Island are to be converted to dual-fuel, allowing them to switch from diesel to liquefied natural gas.

The Spirit-class conversions are to begin next year and be completed in 2019.