ABS to Class North America’s First LNG Bunker Barges

Currently in the design process by Seattle-based naval architecture firm Jensen Maritime are North America’s first LNG bunker barges for Houston-based firm LNG America. Upon delivery in late 2015, these 3000 cubic meter capacity barges will enable the movement of LNG from the supply source to coastal-based storage and distribution terminals as well as provide a means to directly bunker large ships along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

LNG America announced today that the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has been chosen to class these vessels, which will be the first of their kind to operate in North American waters.

“We are pleased to be working with ABS on this important domestic initiative. ABS has watched ship propulsion move from wind to coal, from coal to oil, and now from oil to natural gas. They are well situated to help us usher in a new era of clean domestic fuel,” commented Keith Meyer, President and CEO of LNG America.

ABS will assist LNG America in working with shipbuilders and regulators in developing these first-of-their-kind barges that meet or exceed all technical and regulatory requirements.

“We are looking forward to working with LNG America on North America’s first LNG bunker barges. These units will be the first of many that will be required if our industry is going to support the transition to LNG as a fuel for the ships entering US ports,” said Jim Watson, President and COO, ABS Americas. “LNG is an exciting sector for us, and we look forward to using our technical knowledge to support the growth of gas fuel for transportation here, and around the world.”