Honolulu-based shipping company Pasha Hawaii reached milestones on the construction of two of its LNG-fueled containerships at Keppel AmFELS.
The company held the ceremonial keel laying for its first of two ‘Ohana class unit, the George III, and started the construction on the second containership, to be named Janet Marie, with a steel cutting ceremony.
Scheduled for delivery in 2020, the two LNG-fueled vessels are being built at the shipyard in Brownsville, Texas. Upon completion, both 774-foot U.S. Jones Act vessels will join Pasha Hawaii’s fleet, serving the Hawaii/Mainland trade lane.
“These LNG-powered containerships were designed to support the needs of shippers in the Hawaii trade lane, while minimizing environmental impact in the communities we serve. Adding George III and Janet Marie to our existing fleet will greatly enhance our service capabilities and on-time delivery, marking three generations of service to Hawaii,” George Pasha, IV, the Pasha Group President and CEO, said.
The new vessels will operate fully on LNG from day one in service, substantially improving the vessels’ environmental footprint, according to Pasha Hawaii. Energy savings will also be achieved with a state-of-the-art engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and propeller.