Americas News
World's First LNG Powered Containership Launched
TOTE Inc (TOTE) Saturday said it launched the world's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered containership, Isla Bella, in San Diego with over 3,400 people in attendance.
The Marlin Class containership will begin service in the fourth quarter of 2015 between Jacksonville, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
A second Marlin Class vessel will be launched in the third quarter of this year and enter service in the first quarter of 2016.
The Marlin Class vessels are the first cargo ships in the world to run on LNG, and according to TOTE, which partnered with General Dynamics NASSCO to build Isla Bella, they represent a new standard in safety in the company's long-term commitment to Puerto Rico.
By switching to LNG, TOTE says it will reduce NOx emissions by 98 percent, SOx by 97 percent, carbon dioxide by 72 percent, and particulate matter by 60 percent in the Puerto Rico trade.
TOTE president and CEO Anthony Chiarello, notes, "Building the Marlins has been about change as well as bold and innovative thinking.
"NASSCO and our other partners have enabled us to build these ships that reflect our commitment to the environment and doing what is right."
Isla Bella launch attendants included Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO, who remarked that the vessel "signals a very significant milestone for the thousands of men and women at NASSCO.
"Not only does it commemorate NASSCO's 100th ship launch, it validates NASSCO's capability to break new ground in green ship technology and lead in the design, construction, and conversion of ships to take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of LNG."
Congressman Duncan Hunter, chairman of the Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, said in a keynote address that "With the launch of the world's first natural gas-powered containership, NASSCO and TOTE prove that American shipbuilders and American ships can lead the industry in innovation, and it is my hope that American shipbuilders and operators can continue to build upon this success."
Sophie Sacco, wife of Seafarers International Union president Michael Sacco, is the Isla Bella's sponsor and was on hand to christen and launch the vessel.
