American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) was selected by Q-LNG to class an articulated tug barge (ATB) for LNG bunkering in North America.
The vessel is scheduled to begin construction at VT Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in early 2018, the classification and technical services provider said in a statement.
“This project represents another significant milestone for the region in the continued development of LNG infrastructure in North America, helping the maritime industry meet stricter emissions requirements,” says ABS chairman, president and CEO, Christopher Wiernicki .
Q-LNG Transport president Chad Verret added that the project will expand the LNG supply chain and play a critical role in the advancement of LNG as a marine fuel throughout the region and North America.
The LNG bunker barge, with 4,000 cubic meters LNG capacity, will be owned and constructed by Q-LNG while the operations will be handled by New Orleans-based Harvey Gulf International Marine. The barge will be chartered by Shell and will supply necessary LNG fuel to cruise vessels throughout the Southeast Coast of the US.
ABS is also classing the LNG bunkering barge for North America that is currently being built at Conrad Orange Shipyard and is scheduled for delivery in 2018.