First North American LNG Ferrry Commissioned

The first ferry to be powered by LNG in North America has been commissioned in Quebec, Canada. Built in Italy by Ficantieri, the NM F.-A.- Gauthier is also the first ship of any kind to run on LNG in Canada. 

By choosing natural gas as the fuel for its new admiral-ship, the Société des traversiers du Québec is reaching an important milestone in the Québec maritime transport sector and paving the way for local shipowners to use a proven, high-performance and cleaner technology. 

"It's extraordinary that this major first is happening here in Québec, and Gaz Métro is very proud to be a part of it," highlighted Martin Imbleau, Vice President, Development and Renewable Energies at Gaz Métro. "In support of Québec's Maritime Strategy, LNG is a concrete solution for fighting climate change and allows local shipowners to comply with the increasingly stringent standards regarding polluting emissions on North America's waterways."

Following an agreement concluded in 2013, Gaz Métro, through its subsidiary Gaz Métro LNG L.P., was chosen as the LNG supplier to fuel three new Société des traversiers du Québec ferries, including the NM F.-A.- Gauthier. The ship is replacing the NM Camille?Marcoux for the Matane–Baie?Comeau–Godbout ferry service. The two other ships will be assigned to the Tadoussac–Baie?Sainte?Catherine crossing.

In 2013, the Société des traversiers du Québec invited suggestions for the new ferry’s name. Of the 700 entries received, F.-A.- Gauthier was chosen in honor of Félix-Adrien Gauthier, an important businessman, entrepreneur and mayor of Matane from 1960 to 1963 who, in 1959 established the navigation company Traverse Matane-Godbout ltée.