WesPac to build LNG bunker barge for TOTE

WesPac Midstream LLC and its affiliate Clean Marine Energy LLC (CME) announced a construction contract with Conrad Orange Shipyard, Inc. to build the first LNG bunker barge for the marine market in North America.

The bunker barge will be an important supply chain component in global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of maritime activity through the conversion of ships to LNG.

LNG-powered vessels

The 2200 m³ barge is due for delivery in early 2016 and planned to initially be deployed in Tacoma, Washington, to service Totem Ocean Trailer Express’ ‘Orca class’ RoRo vessels, in addition to other LNG-powered vessels.

Subsequently, the barge will be relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, to serve TOTE’s newbuild ‘Marlin class’ container vessels in the Port of Jacksonville.

Membrane technology

The LNG barge will feature one tank equipped with GTT’s Mark III Flex cargo containment technology, to be constructed by Conrad Orange Shipyard under GTT license. Bristol Harbour Group, Inc. will design the vessel, while ABS will act as the classification society.

The initial bunker barge for TOTE is part of the WesPac/CME plan to provide an integrated LNG solution for engine conversion, infrastructure, supply and delivery of logistics to the shipping industry. As more shipowners and operators seek to meet stringent sulfur limits within emission control areas (ECAs) by converting to LNG, WesPac/CME plans to exercise its options with Conrad to construct additional LNG fuelling barges to serve other ports in North America.

Comments

Pace Ralli, CEO of CME, commented: “A comprehensive LNG supply and distribution network for the marine market in North America is critical for the shipping industry. Today’s announcement shows that WesPac/CME is taking the necessary steps to complete the LNG supply chain so ship owners can be assured LNG will be available when and where it is needed.”

Peter Keller, Executive VP of TOTE, added: “We are pleased to work with our partners WesPac and CME on these groundbreaking LNG projects. This sophisticated new barge, constructed by Conrad and utilising GTT membrane technology, will serve both our Orca class vessels as they are converted to LNG and the Marlins, the world’s first LNG dual fuelled container vessels. TOTE is committed to caring for the environment and the communities we serve and this barge will enable us to supply our ships with LNG, a cleaner alternative fuel.”

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/25022015/wespac-in-lng-bunker-barge-deal-322/