Three ferries running on liquefied natural gas will take to Québec waters starting in 2015
MONTREAL, Sept. 27, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Gaz Métro, through its subsidiary Gaz Métro LNG, L.P., and the Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) are proud to announce they have entered into an agreement in principle for the purchase of fuel to supply three new ferries with liquefied natural gas (LNG). Currently being designed in a Québec naval shipyard, two of the future ships will be assigned to the Tadoussac─Baie-Sainte-Catherine ferry service, while a third ship—under construction in Italy—will be used for the Matane─Baie-Comeau─Godbout link. These ferries will be among the first in North America to use LNG, and their commissioning is set to begin in 2015.
"We are very pleased to be working with the STQ and actively participating in this innovative project, which is another example of the natural gas industry's relevance and credibility in supplying fuel to the transport sector. This is a major first for maritime transport in Québec, adding to the recent breakthroughs in merchandise road transportation," said Sophie Brochu, President and Chief Executive Officer at Gaz Métro.
Georges Farrah, STQ president and CEO, adds, "This agreement is an important step for the future commissioning of our three new ferries utilizing green technologies. The many advantages of natural gas, including a reduction of at least 20% in greenhouse gas emissions, led us to choose this fuel. Moreover, the STQ is determined to play an active role in the Québec Government's collective sustainable development strategy."
Economic and environmental benefits of natural gas
The transportation industry as a whole is the biggest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter in Québec, accounting for 42.5% of the province's total emissions in 2010. With this in mind, natural gas is an ideal solution, as it makes it possible to significantly reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx) and fine particles.
Furthermore, it should be noted that fuel is one of the top budget items in the transportation industry, and that natural gas could generate significant savings compared with diesel. By choosing natural gas as the fuel of the future, transporters improve their environmental footprint and benefit from substantial financial savings.
About Gaz Métro
With more than $5 billion in assets, Gaz Métro is a leading energy provider. It is the largest natural gas distribution company in Québec, where its 10,000 km underground network of pipelines serves 300 municipalities and more than 185,000 customers. Gaz Métro is also present in Vermont, producing electricity, and distributing electricity and natural gas to cater to the needs to some 300,000 customers. Gaz Métro is actively involved in the development of innovative, sustainability-oriented energy projects such as the production of wind power, the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel and the development of biomethane as a renewable energy source. Gaz Métro is committed to ensuring the satisfaction of its customers; providing support to businesses, local organizations, families and communities; and meeting the needs of its partners (Gaz Métro Inc. and Valener) and employees. www.gazmetro.com
Gaz Métro LNG, L.P. is a subsidiary of Gaz Métro that was created to market and sell liquefied natural gas (LNG) and synthesis gas (in its liquid or gaseous form), as well as all LNG by-products.
About the Société des traversiers du Québec
A Québec Government corporation, the Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) operates eight ferries along the St. Lawrence River and has a fleet of 17 ships. Every year, 600 employees take part in more than 115,000 crossings, transporting a total of over 5.4 million passengers and 2.3 million vehicles. Another 5,100 crossings are carried out by three partner ferries and two maritime services, which transport almost 200,000 passengers and 72,000 vehicles. The entire Société des traversiers du Québec network plays an important role in the social, economic and tourism development of the regions it serves. A leader in ferry and maritime services in Québec, the STQ has been a high-performing and innovative organization since its creation in 1971.
SOURCE: GAZ METRO
Gaz Métro
Estelle Lacroix
Tel.: 514-598-3449
[email protected]
www.gazmetro.com/pressroom
Société des traversiers du Québec
Maryse Brodeur
Tel.: 418-646-0359 extension 302
[email protected]
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