Americas News
LNG-Powered Container Ship Perla Del Caribe Successfully Bunkered for the First Time
General Dynamics NASSCO (NASSCO) has announced that Perla Del Caribe, the world's second liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered container ship, has been successfully bunkered for the first time.
The Perla Del Caribe is said to have received 210,000 gallons of LNG during the bunkering operation, nearly double the amount received by the vessel's sister ship, the Isla Bella, the world's first LNG-powered containership.
"This represents another milestone amongst many in the advancement of green, environmentally-friendly ship technology," said Parker Larson, director of commercial programs at NASSCO.
"This effort in particular demonstrates successful collaboration between industry and several regulatory entities, laying the groundwork for comparable green projects in the future."
Bunkering services during the operation are reported to have been provided by Clean Energy Fuels Corp (Clean Energy), Baker Hughes, and Envent Corporation over a 48-hour period at NASSCO's San Diego shipyard.
To prepare for the event, NASSCO is said to have worked with several regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the American Bureau of Shipping, the San Diego Fire Department, and the Air Pollution Control District.
Commenting on the successful bunkering operation, Captain Jonathan S. Spaner said "these LNG-powered containerships are unique in our Nation and the world."
"I commend the team at NASSCO and all interagency partners for their efforts to ensure a safe, efficient, and successful bunkering evolution."
Upon delivery, the Perla Del Caribe will join the Isla Bella for its trade route between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
In September, Ship & Bunker reported that Perla Del Caribe had been officially launched.
