California-based shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO launched the second of two of the world’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered container ships built for TOTE at its San Diego shipyard on Saturday, August 29.
The second 764-foot, Marlin Class boxship, named the Perla del Caribe, is a part of a two-ship contract NASSCO signed in December 2012 with TOTE.
“To NASSCO shipbuilders, a launch signals the near completion of the construction of a ship; it’s when the ship enters the ocean for the very first time. It’s a moment of pride for the thousands of men and women who built the ship – piece by piece, block by block. For the Perla del Caribe, it’s no different, and when the ship is delivered, we will be very proud to say, ‘We Built That,’” said Kevin Graney, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics NASSCO.
The Perla del Caribe’s sister ship – the Isla Bella – was launched in San Diego shipyard back in April. The two will be the largest dry cargo ships of their kind in the world powered by LNG.
Upon delivery of the Isla Bella in late-2015, the Jones Act -qualified ships will operate between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
These new eco container ships will reduce particulate matter by 98 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by 72 percent, the equivalent of removing more than 15,700 cars from the road, according to NASSCO.