A Spirit Bear Destined for the North
August 29, 2024
HaiSea Kermode’s Journey to Kitimat
Mike Phillips, P.Eng. | Project Manager | Naval Architect
A Grizzly escorts a tanker from the newly upgraded Westridge Terminal, guiding it safely through the Second Narrows as it leaves Canada’s busiest port. To starboard, another bear is often spotted at Pier 94, this one a Kermode. Yet, North Vancouver isn’t this spirit bear’s home. HaiSea Kermode (opposite page) will soon emerge from its south coast hibernation to make a permanent move north to Kitimat Arm, where it will guide vessels to and from the new LNG Canada Export Terminal.
Tasked with escorting LNG carriers of up to Q-Max size through Douglas Channel, on the world’s longest known escort route—approximately 159 nautical miles—the HaiSea Kermode is exceptionally capable. With escort steering forces exceeding 175 tonnes, it’s performance significantly exceeds any other tug in British Columbia. Along with its sister vessel, HaiSea Warrior, it is set to command the north, ensuring the safe and efficient passage of the world’s largest LNG carriers.
HaiSea Kermode distinguishes itself from other high-performance escort tugs through its unparalleled capabilities. A customized ultra-high performance, 3-gear, 450 hp electric AGILE escort winch from Markey Machinery optimizes its escort potential, maintaining near-constant line tensions when generating its maximum escort forces in significant sea states.
Its propulsion system significantly lowers airborne emissions, not only meeting but exceeding IMO Tier III standards, thanks to LNG from its enhanced capacity tank, specifically sized and designed for for its record-duration escort missions. The inclusion of a selective catalyst reduction (SCR) exhaust after-treatment system—a rarity for LNG-fueled tugs—further reduces emissions. Furthermore, HaiSea Kermode and its battery electric counterparts are the first tugs to be awarded the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) ENVIRO+ notation, representing the highest level of environmental credential from ABS.
The cutting-edge vessel also provides its crews with enviable modern comforts, underscored by its ABS class habitability notation (HAB). Each crew member benefits from the privacy of single cabins with ensuite bathrooms, meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse workforce that’s vital for the industry’s growth. The presence of a spacious lounge and gymnasium further enriches life on board. Additionally, subtler benefits significantly improve the working environment, such as reduced noise from electrically powered winches instead of hydraulic ones, and a dynamic positioning system that eases operator fatigue during waits near Triple Island for an LNG carrier.
Designed for escort towing in Douglas Channel, HaiSea Kermode’s substantial bollard pull of 105 tonnes also enables it to lend a paw in ship-berthing operations or for performing rescue tows of distressed vessels. Its emergency response capabilities are augmented by significant oil recovery tankage and a Fi-Fi 1 class off-ship firefighting system.
These features are aptly suited for a vessel named by the Gitga’at Nation to represent the Spirit Bear and our shared sacred environment, and embody a commitment to protecting the natural world.
With HaiSea Kermode securing its status as one of the world’s premier escort tugs, and with HaiSea Marine and SAAM Towage incorporating the finest battery electric harbour tugs into their fleets, British Columbia’s marine towage industry has positioned itself as a global leader in the innovation and implementation of advanced tug technologies.
What will be the next remarkable west coast tugboat to draw the international marine towage industry’s attention? News has it that steel has recently been cut for the world’s first dual-fuel methanol-diesel tugs, and they’re also set to call southern British Columbia home. This suggests that the global industry might have to bear being envious of western Canada’s new vessels for the foreseeable future.