Supporting the future of public transport with STQ.

STQ wanted to embrace new-generation technology, meeting its public service mandate and vision to support society by offering effective transport infrastructure in Québec. Two new 92-metre dual-fuel ferries, powered by Wärtsilä gas engines, would serve the important  Tadoussac – Baie Sainte Catherine route across the mouth of the Saguenay River.

The innovative vessels were to be constructed locally at Chantier Davie, Canada’s largest shipbuilding facility. The engines would comprise 20DF units of varying sizes, arranged to provide total redundancy under ‘safe return to port’ requirements. Other factors to consider included ice protection to cope with the harsh winter conditions, from podded propulsion units to an ice-class hull.

To decide on the ships’ dual-fuel arrangement, we helped STQ:

• complete a full risk assessment

• develop risk management approaches

• be clear on the regulatory process

• train crews and shore staff to handle operations using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to power the ferry engines.

This support was provided in collaboration with Transport Canada, the federal authority for transportation, with responsibility for making regulatory framework decisions. It helped our client address the needs of local communities, visiting tourists and the environment. Emissions from the new ferries are free of particulates and sulphur, with vastly reduced NOx. Noise and vibration generated by the ferries was also carefully considered, minimising any disturbance to whales which visit the area.

The two new ferries hold Lloyd’s Register classification. In addition, we have also classed STQ’s other dual-fuel LNG ferry, F.-A.-Gauthier.

“We will operate these vessels for many years – perhaps 35 to 40 – so we wanted to try and find the most modern technology and to meet the requirement for cleaner solutions.”

Benoit Cormier

Project Management Office Director, STQ