First LNG bunker barge built in North America delivered

The vessel was built in Orange, Texas, US, at Conrad Orange Shipyard, which is a subsidiary of Conrad Industries. The gas trial was successfully carried out at Port Fourchon, LA. The vessel will enter service for TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico in the Port of Jacksonville, Florida, where it will bunker two Marlin Class containerships operating on LNG fuel between Jacksonville and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Brett Wolbrink, Vice President of Conrad LNG, LLC, said: “The successful completion and delivery of the Clean Jacksonville is both a proud and humbling moment for Conrad. I am proud of our team's tenacious dedication to the completion of this project and unwavering adherence to our commitments. At the same time, we are humbled and grateful to be a part of an unparalleled international partnership comprised of the owner, our engineering groups, vendors and manufacturers who made this vessel a reality.

“We were fortunate to have such a good working relationship with the USCG and ABS throughout the design, engineering and construction of the LNG bunker barge.”

Johnny Conrad, President and CEO of Conrad Industries, added: “Conrad has been at the helm of many firsts.

“It is the first LNG bunker barge built in North America. It is the first time the GTT membrane system has been installed in a non self-propelled barge in the US. It is the first time an LNG bunker mast of this type has been built. The list goes on.”

Tim Nolan, President and CEO of TOTE, said: “TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico is excited to utilise the Clean Jacksonville for our LNG bunkering. Our partners, including Conrad Shipyard and GTT, have been critical in our development of North America's first LNG bunker barge. The use of LNG as a maritime fuel results in tremendous environmental benefits – including air and water quality improvements – and this barge is the final critical component of our LNG program in Jacksonville.”

Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, added: “GTT has been honoured to play a key role in the successful delivery of this first US LNG bunker barge by Conrad. The broad collaboration between TOTE, Conrad, the myriad project stakeholders, and US regulators led to the successful design, construction, and commissioning of this unique and groundbreaking project. Beyond our traditional role of designing the cargo containment and other cryogenic elements, such as the innovative REACH4™ bunker mast, GTT adapted and expanded its support services to ensure the effective training of the barge crew and the safe and satisfactory execution of the barge commissioning activities and gas trials. Adapting to meet the requirements and fill the gaps within this growing industry is essential to continue to develop LNG as the preferred and cleaner marine fuel of the future. GTT remains committed to that vision.”

Conrad concluded: “While it has been a challenge and true learning experience, the Clean Jacksonville is a triumph for the US maritime industry. I am proud of Conrad's commitment, investment and foresight in shepherding the advancement of LNG as a marine fuel. We welcome the opportunity to work with customers as they explore and pursue the use of LNG in their vessels.”

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/21082018/first-lng-bunker-barge-built-in-north-america-delivered/