Conrad Shipyard creates LNG unit

US shipbuilder Conrad Shipyard said it has formed a new business unit focused on liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects. 

The new LNG unit will be led by Conrad Vice President Brett Wolbrink.

“We believe the continued development of the LNG fuel market to be of critical importance. Not only will it provide positive change with respect to environmental emissions, but will ultimately provide significant long term positive economic results for owners and operators,” said Conrad President and CEO Johnny Conrad.

Conrad Orange Shipyard, a unit of Conrad Shipyard, is building the first LNG bunker barge for the marine market in North America. It is expected to be delivered in early 2017.

The barge is being built for WesPac Midstream, and its affiliate Clean Marine Energy, which will deploy the barge in Tacoma, WA to service ship owner TOTE and its “Orca Class” vessels, then subsequently relocate the vessel to Jacksonville, FL to service the TOTE new build “Marlin Class” vessels as well as other LNG powered vessels in the Port of Jacksonville.

Conrad said it continues to actively pursue other LNG opportunities, including developing designs for additional transport barges, dual-fuel powered towboats, and other research and development projects.