By Mark Edward Nero
Pasha Hawaii, a Honolulu-based subsidiary of global logistics and transportation company The Pasha Group said on Nov. 15 that it has narrowed its selection to two US shipyards for the construction of two new liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled containerships.
Contract specifications are expected to be finalized by the end of the month, Pasha says, with the final selection decision expected to come in January.
Details for the vessel order outline a shipping capacity of 3,400 TEUs, including 500 45-foot containers and 400 refrigerated containers, and a sailing speed of 23 knots. Delivery of the first vessel is expected mid-2019, with delivery of the second vessel to come in early 2020.
The contract would include the option to order two additional vessels, Pasha has said.
“In addition to increasing capability for our customers, these new ships will represent a new era in shipping for Hawaii in terms of greatly reduced emissions and increased efficiency,” President and CEO George Pasha, IV said in a statement.
The two LNG dual-fueled vessels would be the first of their kind in the Hawaii/mainland trade lane, operating fully on LNG from day one in service, dramatically reducing environmental impact and increasing fuel efficiency.
Energy savings would also be achieved, according to Pasha, with a state-of-the-art engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and propeller.
“We are fortunate to have shipyards within the United States that are very capable of building best-in-class cargo ships, including LNG-powered vessels, competitively,” Pasha said.
Compared to conventional fuels, LNG is a much cleaner alternative fuel for shipping. Among the environmental benefits it offers is the reduction of up to 95 percent sulfur oxides, nearly 100 percent particulate matter, up to 90 percent nitrogen oxides, and up to 25 percent carbon dioxide emissions from engine exhaust emissions.
