GTT receives order for WesPac LNG bunker barge

GTT North America (GTTNA) has received an order for an LNG bunker barge from Conrad Industries.

This first dedicated LNG barge for the marine market in North America will be built by Conrad Orange Shipyard, at its facility in Orange, Texas. The barge, for WesPac Midstream and its affiliate Clean Marine Energy (CME) is due for delivery in 1H16.

Cargo containment

GTT will supply its Mark III Flex cargo containment technology for the barge, which allows an optimised boil-off rate of cargo LNG and efficiently uses available cargo hold space.

The barge is also intended to feature GTT’s REACH4 (Refuelling Equipment Arm, Methane [CH4]) bunker mast design, to ensure a simple and safe transfer of LNG fuel to the client vessel.

Industry first

The barge will initially serve Totem Ocean Trailer Express' operations in Tacoma, Washington as well as TOTE's SeaStar operations in Jacksonville.

This industry first is the result of collaboration between GTT North America, classification societies, all pertinent sectors of the US Coast Guard, and industry stakeholders. Earlier in 2015, Conrad Shipyard signed a technical assistance and license agreement (TALA) with GTT North America for the design and construction of LNG barges and LNG-fuelled vessel bunker tanks using GTT's membrane containment systems.

Comments

Allyn Risley, Chairman of GTT North America declared: "GTTNA is very pleased to be involved in this collaboration and the first LNG bunker barge in North America, particularly as part of the formation of the local LNG supply chain. This first order in the US since the 1970s is a major milestone for GTTNA, demonstrating that GTT's proven leading-edge technology is perfectly suited and efficient for small applications".

Johnny Conrad, Chairman and CEO of Conrad Shipyard, added: "Conrad is pleased to be part of a team that has brought this project to fruition. Conrad would like to express its thanks to Wespac Midstream for choosing Conrad and GTT as its partner in this venture."

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/26022015/gtt-technology-for-lng-bunker-barge-323/