Marine Design Associates LTD -

NAVAL ARCHITECTURE MARINE ENGINEERS MARINE SURVEYORS

Who are We? With the support of the BC Trade and Investment Office, M.D.A. Marine Design Associates Ltd. (MDA), BC Gas Inc., and Ulstein Maritime Ltd., (a Rolls Royce company) have formed Pioneer Ferry Exporters to pursue export markets for natural gas and diesel powered ferries.

What is a Pioneer Ferry? Pioneer ferries have been operating on the rivers, lakes and inlets of British Columbia and the United States for over twenty years. The designs are geared towards low cost simple construction. Pioneer ferries can also be equipped to operate on natural gas. Two natural gas fueled Pioneer ferries have been operating since 1985. The primary market for Pioneer ferries is for vessels with capacity from about 12 cars/150 passengers up to about 70 cars/500 passengers, with vessel tonnage ranging from about 200 gross tonnes to around 1,000 tones.

In addition to vessels from MDA, Caterpillar and others supply main engines and generator packages, while Ulstein Maritime provide Z-drives (azimuthing thrusters) and propulsion systems, including remote controls. BC Gas International, the major natural gas utility in British Columbia, supply natural gas fueling systems.

What are the Benefits

Ferry reliability and performance has been proven in Canada and the United States. A range of vessel sizes are available and design modifications can be made to suit local requirements. Design, equipment and construction supervision packages ensure performance standards are achieved. Ideal for shallow draught operations, conventional terminal facilities are not required. Vessel designs are simple and efficient resulting in lower construction costs and shorter construction times. Construction can take place in local shipyards or steel fabrication shops. Operating and maintenance costs are lower than on conventional ferries - for example; propeller or shafting damage can be serviced while afloat. Worldwide equipment servicing centres are available. The natural gas option reduces exhaust emissions and provides an alternative to imported oil.