LNG bunkering completed for Perla Del Caribe

General Dynamics NASSCO has announced that it successfully completed bunkering of LNG for the Perla Del Caribe on December 11 2015. This is the world's second containership to be powered by LNG.

Bunkering services were provided by Clean Energy as well as Baker Hughes and Envent during a 48 hr period at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, US.

Representatives from NASSCO worked collaboratively with several regulatory agencies to prepare for the event, including the US Coast Guard, the American Bureau of Shipping, the San Diego Fire Department, and the Air Pollution Control District.

The Perla Del Caribe received 210 000 gal. of LNG, which is nearly double the amount bunkered for its sister ship, the Isla Bella. The Isla Bella was built by NASSCO and delivered in October 2015.

Parker Larson, Director of commercial programs at General Dynamics NASSCO, said: "This represents another milestone amongst many in the advancement of green, environmentally-friendly ship technology. This effort in particular demonstrates successful collaboration between industry and several regulatory entities, laying the groundwork for comparable green projects in the future.”

Captain Jonathan S. Spaner added: “As Captain of the Port of San Diego, I am grateful for the exceptional preparation and cooperation involved with this LNG bunkering operation […] Indeed, these LNG-powered containerships are unique in our nation and the world. I commend the team at NASSCO and all interagency partners for their efforts to ensure a safe, efficient, and successful bunkering evolution."   

Upon delivery, the Perla Del Caribe will join the Isla Bella for its trade route between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The containerships are part of a two-ship contract between NASSCO and TOTE, signed in December 2012.

Powered by LNG, this groundbreaking green ship technology will decrease emissions and increase fuel efficiency when compared to conventionally-powered ships – which is equivalent to removing nearly 16 000 motor vehicles off the road.

Edited from press release by Callum O'Reilly

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/18122015/lng-bunkering-completed-for-perla-del-caribe-1790/