May 27, 2024
The HaiSea Kermode, the first LNG dual fuel tugboat in North America, has won the International Tug & Salvage (ITS) Tug of the Year 2024 award. This marks the second year in a row that HaiSea tugs have been recognized by the ITS with the HaiSea Wamis winning Tug of the Year in 2023.
The award recognizes tugs that set industry benchmarks through innovative design and efficient operations. The HaiSea Kermode, along with the HaiSea Warrior, will serve as the guardians of the Douglas Channel and were purpose-built to escort LNG carriers along the largest escort route in the world of 159 nautical miles. The HaiSea Kermode’s two engines produce a combined 6000kW of power, making it the most powerful escort tug on the West Coast.
Announced at this year’s conference in Dubai, the award was presented to Jordan Pechie, Senior Vice President, Seaspan Marine Transportation representing HaiSea Marine, as well as representatives from Robert Allan Ltd and Sanmar Shipyards.
“We’re honoured to receive this award – and for the opportunity to work alongside our partners to make the dream of HaiSea a reality – the Haisla Nation, Sanmar Shipyards, Robert Allan and LNG Canada were all instrumental in building the greenest tugboat fleet in the world,” said Jordan Pechie, Senior Vice President of Seaspan Marine Transportation.
Both the HaiSea Kermode and its sister HaiSea Warrior will escort LNG carriers en route to the soon-to-open LNG Canada terminal in the traditional territories of the Haisla First Nation in Kitimat, British Columbia.