North America gets first LNG bunker barge

The barge, which is being built by WesPac Midstream and its affiliate Clean Marine Energy under contract with Conrad Orange Shipyard, is part of WesPac’s plan to provide an integrated LNG solution for engine conversion, infrastructure, supply and delivery logistics to the shipping industry.

“A comprehensive LNG supply and distribution network for the marine market in North America is critical for the shipping industry,” said Pace Ralli, CEO and co-founder of CME.

“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,” he added.

The 2,200m³ LNG barge, being built for TOTE, will feature one tank equipped with Gaztransport and Technigaz’s (GTT) MARK III Flex cargo containment technology, to be constructed by Conrad Orange Shipyard under GTT license.

It will initially be deployed in Tacoma, Washington, to service shipowners Totem Ocean Trailer Express’ Orca class ro-ro vessels, in addition to other LNG-powered vessels. Following this, it will be relocated to Jacksonville, Florida to serve TOTE’s newbuild Marlin class container vessels and other LNG vessels in the Port of Jacksonville.

WesPac says as more US Jones Act shipowners and operators look to meet stringent 0.1% sulphur limits within ECAs by converting to LNG as a cheaper bunker fuel, it plans to exercise options with Conrad Orange to build additional LNG fuelling barges to serve other ports in the region.

Bristol Harbor Group Inc is responsible for the design of the vessel, with the ABS acting as the classification society.

Delivery is expected in early 2016.