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Canadian energy provider Gaz Métro - the largest natural gas distribution company in Quebec - says that it applauds this week's official commissioning of the F.A. Gauthier [pictured], the first ferry to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) in North America and the first ship of any kind to run on LNG in Canada.

The vessel was recently delivered to Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) - a Québec crown corporation that operates in maritime passenger and vehicles transport.

The 133-metre-long, 3,000-deadweight-tonne (dwt) ferry, was named in honour of Félix-Adrien Gauthier, mayor of the town of Matane from 1960-1963 and founder of the Matane-Godbout ferry route. It features an integrated diesel-electric propulsion system with four diesel power generators that can run on either LNG or marine diesel oil (MDO).

In a statement, Gaz Métro said: "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."

Commenting on the perceived advantages of using LNG, Gaz Métro said: "The use of liquefied natural gas makes it possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25 percent, compared with marine diesel, in addition to almost completely eliminating fine particle emissions and other air pollutants. LNG motors are also quieter and produce less vibration, which is more respectful of marine life."

Martin Imbleau, Vice President, Development and Renewable Energies at Gaz Métro, remarked: "It's extraordinary that this major first is happening here in Québec, and Gaz Métro is very proud to be a part of it.

"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 F.A. Gauthier. The ship is replacing the NM Camille-Marcoux for the Matane-Baie-Comeau-Godbout ferry service.

Gaz Métro has been liquefying natural gas since 1969 at its plant in Montréal East. Originally used to meet strong energy demand during peak periods, today LNG is used as a cleaner fuel.

Image: F.A. Gauthier ferry.