The world’s first LNG-powered containership is really beginning to take shape at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego with the installation of the ship’s main engine.
Late last month, engineers lowered the 539-ton engine into place aboard the first of two new Marlin-class containerships being built for Tote, Inc. The engine itself is also significant because it is the first commercial installation of the new ME-GI engine, a dual-fuel, low-speed two stroke, from MAN Diesel and Turbo. The 8L70ME-C8.2GI engine was built under license from Doosan Engine in South Korea and delivered to the shipyard in July.
“This large slow speed (two stroke) dual fuel engine is the first of its kind in the world” noted Phil Morrell, Vice President of Commercial Marine Operations for TOTE Services, the division of TOTE that is responsible for ship’s technical management and crewing. “Using this engine in our new Marlin class vessels will not only drastically reduce our SOx, NOx, particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions as a result of using liquefied natural gas, but it will also improve our efficiency meaning these ships will require less energy to travel the same distance and help preserve the environment.”
Tote’s two 3,100 TEU Marlin containerships are being constructed at General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego shipyard and are designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) in South Korea. The design is based on proven containership-design standards and will include DSME’s patented LNG fuel-gas system and a single ME-GI main engine.
“Landing the world’s first low speed, dual fuel engine on the lead Marlin Class ship signifies a shift into a new era of green ship technology”, said Parker Larson, Director of Commercial Programs for General Dynamics NASSCO. “NASSCO is proud to partner with TOTE to construct these cutting edge ships.”
The new ships will operate in the U.S. Jones Act market between Jacksonville, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The first vessel, Hull 495, is expected to enter service in late 2015 with the second ship following in early 2016. Tote also has the option to build up to three additional vessels.
Full Coverage: Marlin-Class – World’s First LNG-Powered Containerships
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 110,262 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
A Russian Navy frigate equipped with new generation hypersonic cruise missiles has conducted drills in the English Channel and is carrying out tasks in the Atlantic Ocean, Russian news agencies reported on Tuesday.
(Bloomberg) — Chinese lawmakers got a head start on the US election this week as they gathered to vote on the largest fiscal package since the pandemic. But now that...
by Ossian Shine, (Reuters) – Germany’s Red Bandit, skippered by Carl-Peter Forster, was crowned winner of the 45th Rolex Middle Sea Race, becoming the third German yacht to win the prestigious offshore challenge. Following...
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,262 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
