Watch: TOTE's LNG Containerships Highlighted in Nationally Broadcasted TV Spot

I was watching the morning news this morning and was happy to see TOTE’s new LNG-powered containerships highlighted in a TV spot for America’s Natural Gas Alliance’s (ANGA) new Think About It campaign.

In 2012, TOTE, Inc. ordered two of the world’s first containerships to run liquified natural gas. The ship’s, known as the Marlin-class, are now nearing completion at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, California with the first ship is expected to enter Jones Act service between Jacksonville, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico later this year, followed by the second in early 2016.

”Improved technology and the use of LNG result in tremendous emissions reductions” noted Ben Christian, Project Manager at TOTE Shipholdings after finalizing a charter agreement for the first vessel with Sea Star Line LLC last October. “The new Marlin Class will reduce particulate matter by 98 percent, sulfur oxide emissions by 97 percent, carbon dioxide emissions by 72 percent and nitrous oxide emissions by 60 percent.”

In addition to the newbuilds, TOTE also has plans to convert two of its existing ships serving Anchorage, Alaska, from the Port of Tacoma, Wash., to LNG by 2017.

Mark Tabbutt, Chairman of Seattle-based Saltchuk, the owner of TOTE, commented, “We are proud of TOTE and the work that it is doing to advance LNG as an alternative maritime fuel. It’s an honor and a privilege to have this story told on a national scale.”

In a press statement, TOTE noted that ANGA’s ad campaign highlights TOTE and Saltchuk’s investment and leadership in clean energy solutions and that the television and radio ads will begin airing the campaign in national outlets and various media markets this week.

“We’re thrilled to highlight TOTE Maritime’s leadership in using natural gas to fuel its newest containership,” ANGA President and CEO Marty Durbin said. “This innovative ship marks a major milestone in the growing use of natural gas for marine transportation, driven by natural gas’ abundant supply and clear environmental benefits.”

Full Coverage: TOTE’s Marlin-Class