On Jan. 22, San Diego-based General Dynamics NASSCO delivered the world’s second containership to be operated by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the Perla Del Caribe, for TOTE Maritime.
The ship was delivered two months ahead of schedule and is the sister ship of the world’s first LNG-powered containership, the Isla Bella, also built for TOTE by NASSCO.
As part of a two-ship contract signed in December 2012 with TOTE, the 764-foot long Marlin Class containerships will be among the largest dry cargo ships powered by LNG, making them among the cleanest cargo-carrying ships in the world.
The green ship technology dramatically decreases emissions and increases fuel efficiency when compared to conventionally-powered ships, the equivalent of removing nearly 16,000 automobiles from the road.
“The Perla Del Caribe and the Isla Bella exemplify world-leading, innovative technologies being used to build ocean-going ships that are cost-effective, friendly to the environment and offer a competitive edge,” General Dynamics NASSCO Vice President and General Manager Kevin Graney said.
The Isla Bella was delivered to TOTE in October 2015, and has been operating between Jacksonville, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
NASSCO specializes in the design and construction of auxiliary and support ships for the US Navy and oil tankers and dry cargo carriers for commercial markets. It is also a major provider of repair services for the Navy, with capabilities in San Diego, California; Norfolk, Virginia; Bremerton, Washington; and Mayport, Florida.
Although its primary focus is government new construction, NASSCO also engages in commercial shipbuilding. Since 2005, NASSCO has delivered twelve commercial ships and currently has seven commercial ships scheduled to be delivered between 2016 and 2017.
Its San Diego location is the only major shipyard on the West Coast conducting new construction and repair.
