ABS to Class North America’s LNG Bunker Barge

Houston-based classification services provider ABS was selected by Q-LNG, LLC, to class an Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) for LNG bunkering in North America.

The vessel is scheduled to begin construction at VT Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in early 2018.

“This project represents another significant milestone for the region in the continued development of LNG infrastructure in North America, helping the maritime industry meet stricter emissions requirements,” Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President and CEO, said.

“This project will expand the LNG supply chain and play a critical role in the advancement of LNG as a marine fuel throughout the region and North America,” Chad Verret, Q-LNG Transport President, said.

The LNG bunker barge, with 4,000 cubic meters LNG capacity, will be owned and constructed by Q-LNG while the operations will be handled by New Orleans-based Harvey Gulf International Marine.

It will be chartered by Shell, and will supply necessary LNG fuel to cruise vessels throughout the Southeast Coast of the US.

The LNG bunker barge will feature an innovative transfer system enabling it to load LNG from big or small terminals.