Experienced and Professional
MARINE CONSULTANCY
SHIP OF THE MONTH
CMA CGM Jacques Saadé – LNG powered Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV)
CMA CGM Jacques Saadé is the first in class of a series of nine Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCV) which are also the largest ships in the world to be fuelled by LNG.
The vessel was laid down in 2018 and delivered in September last year (2020) for service in the Asia to Europe trade lane, the only lane currently capable of hosting ships of this size.
Yara Birkeland – the world’s first autonomous zero emission container vessel
To round off this challenging year for the marine industry on a positive note, we introduce the world’s first zero emission container vessel, the much delayed Yara Birkeland. In a further boost for technology she is also designed to operate autonomously, an objective which is scheduled to be realized in 2022.
BoldWind – Specialized Deck Cargo Carrier
Delivered in May this year, M.V. BoldWind was the first of two specialized deck cargo carriers long term chartered by MHI Vestas Offshore Wind and dedicated to the movement of offshore wind energy components. She is built to a German-developed design combining optimised capacity with a multi-engine diesel-electric powering system.
Arkitka – The World’s Largest Nuclear-Powered Ice Breaker
Arktika is the first in class of a new of a new generation of Russian nuclear-powered icebreakers. Construction began at the Baltic Shipyards in St. Petersburg in 2013 with a scheduled completion in 2017, however construction delays pushed the completion back and she finally completed sea trials in mid-September 2020. Painted in the colors of the Russian state flag, she is destined to operate north of the Arctic Circle in anticipation of a year-round Northern Shipping Route in support of Russian development of a warming Arctic region and the natural resources that lie therein.
Gas Agility – World’s Largest LNG bunker Vessel
Following delivery in May this year, the LNG bunkering newbuild Gas Agility arrived in Europe in August to begin operations. Her home port is Rotterdam. A sister vessel for delivery later this year will operate from the Port of Marseille-Foss. These are the world’s largest LNG bunker vessels.
Lurline – roll on-roll off (con-ro) vessel
Leading U.S. flag carrier Matson Inc took delivery of the new build roll on-roll off Kanaloa Class vessel Lurline in December 2019 marking the steady evolution of the company’s service connection to Hawaii dating back to 1887 when the original Lurline, a small brigantine, sailed from San Francisco to Hilo under the command of Captain William Matson, a Swedish born American who founded the Matson Navigation Company. The new Lurline is the 6th company vessel to carry the name.
Cabo De Hornos – Panamax Tanker
An unusual milestone was recorded earlier this month when the Canadian oil sands producer Cenovus Energy shipped oil from Kinder Morgan’s Westridge oil terminal via the Panama Canal to the Irving Oil refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick, on Canada’s east coast. The Panamax tanker Cabo De Hornos (Cape Horn) was chartered by Irving Oil for the 6,400 nautical mile voyage.

Orange Blossom 2 – Fruit Juice Tanker
The world’s fleet of dedicated reefer ships has been in decline since the turn of the century on account of the expansion of containerized shipping which now dominates the carriage of chilled and frozen produce across the globe. Seaborne transport of fresh produce (fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and dairy) is estimated to be in the region of 115-120 million tons per annum, some 80% of which is moving in containers.
M.V. Al Kuwait – Livestock Carrier
The issue of livestock shipments is never far from the news in Australia where the government has come under enormous pressure to legislate improved carriage conditions, if not to ban the livestock trade entirely. The debate came to a head in 2017 when a shipment of 63,800 sheep from Freemantle to the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait incurred the loss of 2,400 sheep with the sub-standard conditions on the vessel being filmed by a whistleblower. This followed a similar incident in 2016, many of the deaths being attributed to the high temperatures and humidity in the Gulf during summer months. Government investigators pointed to inadequate manning and the complete absence of a heat stress management plan.
TSS Earnslaw – 1912-Built Edwardian Vintage Twin Screw Steamer
Following a cruise from Sydney to Auckland in February this year, my wife and I made a road trip through the North and South Islands of New Zealand including the picturesque city of Queenstown located on picturesque Lake Wakatipu. Since 1912, the freshwater lake has been the home of the magnificently preserved and operational TSS Earnslaw, reportedly the only commercial coal-fired passenger steamship in the southern hemisphere.
Höegh Target – 8,500 ceu capacity Pure Car & Truck Carrier
When delivered to her owners in July 2015, Höegh Target was the first in class of six “New Horizon Class” post-panamax auto carriers that are still the largest such vessels in the world. The vessel has 14 decks and a cargo opening to enable handling of units up to 6.5m high and 12m wide with a strengthened stern ramp allowing for handling of loads of up to 375 tonnes
M.V. Barramundi – Combination Carrier
In September 2019, Klaveness Combination Carriers took delivery of M.V. Barramundi from New Yangzi Shipyard in China. From a casual observation, this was not an exceptional event except that she is the third new build in a fleet of what will eventually be nine so-called “CLEANBU” combination carriers. That is to say, a series of high specification new builds capable of carrying wet or bulk cargoes. Deliveries are scheduled until 2021.
Welcome to West Pacific Marine
WHY US?
West Pacific Marine Ltd. is an experienced Vancouver Marine Consultancy based in British Columbia offering a personal and professional level of service in all aspects of operational and commercial development in the marine industry including:
- Project Feasibility, Analysis & Development Studies
- Cumulative Marine Traffic Impacts & Mitigation Measures
- Risk Analysis
- Consensus Building
- Marine Safety & Security Impacts
- Coordination of Stakeholder Review Processes
- Commodity Specific Expertise
- Vessel Inspections Including Pre-Purchase Assessment
- Accident & Incident Investigations
- Conference & Panel Moderation
Company Owner/Director Captain Stephen Brown, has more than 20 years of practical seafaring experience, including serving as Master, in multiple vessel types across the globe. His seafaring experience is complemented by an extensive shore-side management career including senior management positions in both developed and developing marine and cultural environments. He also served full time as President of the Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia from 2008-2016. In addition, he was awarded the 2016 Beaver Medal for Maritime Excellence – presented by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.
NETWORK
Our expertise and relationships as a Vancouver marine consultancy extend to all sectors of the marine industry and the responsible regulatory bodies.

SERVICES
Our wide range of services and in-depth knowledge within the industry is at your disposal.
Marine Safety and Security Impacts
Having a full understanding of regulatory and security requirements in the marine sector, along with their practical application, we are well placed to offer an analysis of impacts and to develop solutions.
Consensus Building
Success in today’s regulatory environment is contingent upon building consensus – we have the expertise to navigate the process.
Risk Analysis
Whatever the project, we offer in depth analysis of risks, actual or perceived, with the identification of rational mitigation measures as required.
Project Feasibility, Analysis & Development
Whatever your project, our knowledge of commodities along with our familiarity with the ports and coast of British Columbia will be at your disposal.
Cumulative Marine Traffic Impacts & Mitigation Measures
A frequent obstacle to new developments is a failure to offer an analysis of cumulative marine traffic impacts. We provide hand-on expertise in both analysis and mitigation options.
Commodity Specific Awareness and Considerations
As a Vancouver marine consultancy, we offer a wide range of commodity expertise in the container, break bulk, dry bulk, liquid and gas sectors.
Coordination of Stakeholder Review Processes
Review processes require inclusive collaboration between stakeholders – an area in which we offer proven expertise.