WesPac Midstream and its affiliate Clean Marine Energy have signed a construction contract with Conrad Orange Shipyard, a division of Conrad Shipyard, to build the first dedicated LNG bunker barge for the marine market in North America.
The first 2,200 cubic meter (cbm) barge is expected to be delivered in early 2016 and planned to initially be deployed in Tacoma, Washington, to service shipowner Totem Ocean Trailer Express’s (Totem Ocean) ”Orca class” RO/RO vessels, in addition to other LNG-powered vessels.
Subsequently the barge will be relocated to Jacksonville, Florida to serve TOTE’s (parent company to Totem Ocean) newbuild ”Marlin class” container vessels and other LNG-powered vessels in the Port of Jacksonville.
Pace Ralli, CEO and Co-Founder of CME, said: ”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.”
Bristol Harbor Group will be responsible for the vessel’s design, with the American Bureau for Shipping (ABS) acting as the classification society.