Executives from Seaside LNG, Polaris New Energy and guests gathered at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to christen the recently constructed liquified natural gas bunker barge Clean Everglades.
The vessel is the sister ship to the barge, Clean Canaveral, which was delivered two years ago and has made more than 65 successful liquified natural gas bunker deliveries. Similar in design and appearance, the articulated tug barge will hold 5,500 cubic meters of liquified natural gas.
“The previous FBS-built LNG barge was delivered on schedule during the global pandemic, which was quite an accomplishment,” said Jan Allman, vice president and general manager at FBS. “We are ready to deliver the Clean Everglades six weeks ahead of schedule, thanks in part to a clean, brilliant design and the motivated, experienced shipbuilders here at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.”
Seaside LNG has the largest fleet of Jones Act-compliant liquified natural gas barges operating in the United States.
“Polaris New Energy is excited to continue to expand the LNG bunkering infrastructure in the United States” said Tim Casey, CEO of Seaside LNG. “The delivery of the Clean Everglades will give us the ability to expand our LNG bunkering business to the Gulf of Mexico. Partnering with the talented and professional staff at (Fincantieri) has produced a second exceptional vessel.”
Demand for liquified natural gas to fuel the maritime sector is growing rapidly with orders for the vessels eclipsing 30 percent of the fleet orderbook. Liquified natural gas helps the industry meet growing emissions reductions goals.
The 5,500 cubic meter articulated tug barge is fitted with four, 1,375 cubic meter International Maritime Organization Type C tanks. It will utilize a cargo handling system designed and developed by Wartsila. The vessel is 340 feet long, with a 66-foot beam, and is 32 feet, 10 inches deep. The barge is Oceans Classed by the American Bureau of Shipping.
