June 18, 2025 — Nanaimo, British Columbia, In a historic advancement for clean maritime energy on Canada’s West Coast, the Port of Nanaimo has successfully hosted its first-ever ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation, executed by Seaspan Energy. This landmark event—carried out by the Seaspan Garibaldi bunkering the Lake Saint Anne, an LNG-powered car carrier managed by Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) and chartered by EUKOR—marks a defining step toward sustainable, low-emission shipping in North America.
The successful fueling at anchor in Nanaimo Harbour not only solidifies the port’s strategic role in clean energy transition but also underscores Seaspan Energy’s position as a key player in the alternative marine fuel market.
Port of Nanaimo: Enabling a Greener Maritime Economy
The Port of Nanaimo, strategically located on Vancouver Island, has long demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and regional economic development. By embracing LNG bunkering, the Port joins a growing network of global ports transitioning to cleaner fuels in alignment with international maritime emissions regulations.
Fully supportive of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s clean fuel initiatives, Nanaimo is now a critical West Coast LNG fueling hub, offering safer and more sustainable options for vessels in transit across the Pacific and beyond.
The Port continues to invest in green infrastructure, in collaboration with business and community partners, to attract high-impact projects that foster innovation, create jobs, and position British Columbia as a leader in marine sustainability.
Acknowledging the Team Behind the Success
The Port of Nanaimo proudly acknowledges the dedication and professionalism that made this inaugural LNG bunkering operation a success. This milestone could not have been achieved without the precise coordination, maritime expertise, and strong collaboration of all involved.
“This operation was made possible through the coordination and professionalism of many key contributors. We extend our sincere thanks to Captain Edward S. Dahlgren, Captain Meraz Sekhon, Sean Baxter, Monship, and all those who played a role in ensuring a safe, seamless, and successful inaugural LNG bunkering at our port.” — Port of Nanaimo
The Port emphasizes that such collaborations reflect its ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, safety, and sustainability in partnership with industry leaders.
The Role of LNG Bunkering in Emission Reduction
LNG, or Liquefied Natural Gas, is natural gas cooled to -160°C, allowing it to be transported and stored as a liquid. As a marine fuel, LNG offers significant environmental advantages:
- Up to 99% reduction in sulfur oxides (SOx)
- Up to 90% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Near elimination of particulate matter
- 20-25% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to heavy fuel oil
By replacing conventional marine fuels, LNG enables ship operators to comply with IMO 2020 sulfur regulations, while preparing for even stricter emissions targets on the horizon.
With ports like Nanaimo now supporting LNG bunkering operations, the global maritime industry gains a critical node in the expanding clean fuel supply chain. This development contributes directly to international decarbonization goals, helping reduce the environmental impact of global shipping.
Seaspan Energy: North America’s LNG Bunkering Pioneer
Seaspan Energy, a division of Seaspan ULC, is at the forefront of maritime decarbonization, spearheading the adoption of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) as a cleaner marine fuel. The company is the first in Canada to deliver ship-to-ship LNG bunkering solutions, operating a specialized fleet of LNG bunkering vessels that includes the Seaspan Garibaldi, Seaspan Lions, and Seaspan Baker.
These state-of-the-art bunkering vessels play a critical role in providing safe, efficient, and scalable LNG refueling operations across the West Coast of North America—from Vancouver to Nanaimo, and beyond. With multiple successful bunkering operations for tankers, cruise liners, container ships, and now car carriers already completed in 2025, Seaspan Energy is setting a gold standard for LNG bunkering logistics, safety, and reliability.
The Vessels
- Lake Saint Anne: A next-generation, LNG-powered car carrier managed by Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) and chartered by EUKOR, a global leader in automotive transport.
- Seaspan Garibaldi: One of three advanced LNG bunkering vessels operated by Seaspan Energy, designed specifically for efficient, safe, and scalable LNG ship-to-ship transfers.
Setting a Global Example in Marine Fuel Innovation
The inaugural LNG bunkering operation at the Port of Nanaimo is more than a technical milestone—it’s a testament to what strong industry collaboration can achieve in the pursuit of cleaner shipping. With Seaspan Energy, Eastern Pacific Shipping, EUKOR, and the Port of Nanaimo working together, this event sets an example for ports and shipping lines around the world.
As LNG adoption continues to grow, and with more alternative fuels like bio-LNG and green methanol on the horizon, operations like these form the foundation of a more sustainable, resilient global shipping industry.
About the Port of Nanaimo
The Port of Nanaimo is a deep-sea, full-service harbor located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, serving as a vital gateway for international and domestic trade on Canada’s West Coast. Strategically positioned along key shipping routes in the Pacific Northwest, the Port plays a critical role in facilitating cargo movement, supporting marine industries, and advancing sustainable shipping practices.
With a strong commitment to innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship, the Port of Nanaimo collaborates with industry partners, government, and local communities to drive economic development while supporting Canada’s transition to cleaner marine fuels. The Port continues to expand its capabilities through infrastructure investment, including support for LNG bunkering and other low-emission fuel solutions.
Source Port of Nanaimo