NASSCO Completes LNG Bunkering of Containership in San Diego

On December 11, General Dynamics NASSCO successfully completed bunkering of LNG for the Perla Del Caribe, 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-hour period at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. Representatives from NASSCO worked collaboratively with several regulatory agencies to prepare for the event, including the U.S. 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 gallons of LNG which is nearly double the amount bunkered for its sister ship, the Isla Bella, the world’s first LNG-powered containership. The Isla Bella was built by NASSCO and delivered in October of this year.

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

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 dramatically decrease emissions and increase fuel efficiency when compared to conventionally-powered ships. The 764-foot long containerships will be the longest dry cargo ships powered by LNG – making them the cleanest cargo-carrying ships anywhere in the world.