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British Columbia-based natural gas and electric power supplier, FortisBC, says it intends to focus on meeting the supply needs of operators that convert their ships to LNG, with the company also keen to see investment in LNG refuelling infrastructure so that British Columbia becomes a hub for LNG bunkering on the west coast of Canada.

In its latest Environmental Report, the company said: "FortisBC plans to supply [LNG] to ship operators that choose to convert from higher emitting fuels."

The Canadian firm added: "Utility investments in LNG fueling infrastructure will help establish British Columbia as a marine bunkering centre on the west coast of Canada capable of providing LNG to an increasing number of LNG vessels and leading to global reductions in GHG emissions."

Explaining the environmental benefits of LNG, FortisBC said: "Converting just one ocean-going tanker, cruise ship, or container ship to run on LNG instead of heavy fuel oil will reduce GHG emissions by about 93,500 tonnes annually, equivalent to taking more than 19,800 vehicles off the road."

In the report, FortisBC states that it provides $171.7 million in incentives to customers to support the use of natural gas in various markets, including marine.

In 2016, Bunker Index reported that local ferry operator BC Ferries had signed an agreement to receive a contribution of up to $10 million from FortisBC Energy Inc (a subsidiary of FortisBC) - as part of the company's Natural Gas for Transportation (NGT) incentive programme - to finance the conversion of two Spirit-class vessels (the Spirit of British Columbia and Spirit of Vancouver Island) to dual-fuel capability.

Both ships service the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay run - the busiest route in the fleet. Whilst the Spirit of British Columbia is scheduled to be fully converted by the spring of 2018, the Spirit of Vancouver Island's LNG conversion is due to take place between the autumn of 2018 and the spring of 2019.

FortisBC has also been involved in organizing the supply of LNG to the Seaspan Swift - the first LNG-battery hybrid cargo ferry in North America.

FortisBC is Canada's largest private utility company. The business is regulated by the British Columbia Utilities Commission.