First Wärtsilä Equipped LNG Fueling Barge Headed to the U.S.

The technology group Wärtsilä has been selected to provide a broad scope of products and solutions for a new articulated tug barge (ATB). The vessel will be used to supply LNG fuel to cruise ships along the east coast of Florida. This will be the first fueling barge with a Wärtsilä solution operating in U.S. waters, and is seen as being an important logistics link for the growth of LNG as a marine fuel in the USA.

The ATB is being built at the VT Halter Marine (VTHM) shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi on behalf of Quality Liquefied Natural Gas Transport LLC (Q-LNG). When delivered, the vessel will be on a long-term charter with Shell Oil Co.

The ATB comprises a barge and a tug. The barge will be fitted with a Wärtsilä LNG cargo storage, handling, and control system, and Wärtsilä will also supply the barge automation, power management, and ballast water management systems, and other systems.

“Q-LNG is very pleased to again be partnering with Wärtsilä on yet another ground-breaking project,” said Chad Verret, President of Q-LNG. “Wärtsilä’s expertise in LNG systems, its solid reputation for top quality marine equipment, and its commitment to customer service fits in very well with Q-LNG’s plan to advance the development of LNG as a marine fuel in North America.”

The order with Wärtsilä was booked in November 2017. Deliveries will continue throughout 2018 and 2019, and the vessel is scheduled to commence operations in 2020.