LNG Canada awarded HaiSea Marine, a joint venture between Seaspan ULC and Haisla First Nation, an order to design, construct and run escort and harbor tugs. The tug will operate at LNG Canada’s export facility in Kitimat, British Columbia.
The harbor tugs will help LNG vessels to berth and unberth at the export site in Kitimat. Additionally, the tugs will carry materials and materials as well as offer transportation for emergency personnel. Further, the escort tugs will assist LNG carriers along the 159 nautical miles between Triple Island and the Kitimat facility.
Notably, the 12-year order value is nearly $500 million and is expected to employ 70 mariners and an additional six support staff onshore. While the tugs have not been built yet, Robert Allan Ltd. has been selected as the vessel designer and completion is expected within the next ten years.
Chief Counselor of the Haisla Nation, Crystal Smith stated, “Our agreement with Seaspan ensures our members will have access to employment, training and procurement opportunities on the contract with LNG Canada. The opportunity to work locally in the marine industry is of great significance to the Haisla people.”
