TOTE to Participate in World LNG Fuels 2013 in Houston, USA

TOTE to Participate in World LNG Fuels 2013 in Houston, USA

U.S. flagged shipper Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) has released plans to operate some of the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled vessels in the world on various routes in North America. On Jan. 22, TOTE will be discussing both their Orca-class conversion project as well as their new container vessels at World LNG Fuels 2013 in Houston, hosted by Zeus Development Corporation.

The meeting will draw operators, project developers and suppliers from across the marine, on-highway, rail and exploration and production industries.

In addition to reports earlier this year that TOTE would convert its two Orca-class container vessels, the company has announced plans to build two newbuild 764-foot (233-meter) container ships. Upon their completion in 2015 and 2016, TOTE will operate one of the largest LNG-fueled fleets by tonnage in the world.

“TOTE’s newbuild projects reflect that North American shippers are no longer fighting the realities of the new Emissions Control Area, and instead working to find solutions,” noted Tom Campbell, Zeus’ LNG-fuel analyst. “In addition, the pursuit of conversions shows the growing trend that both options are becoming viable routes for LNG-fuel, which may change some operators’ hesitancy.”

Both projects will have a halo effect on other North American LNG-fueled marine programs. All four ships will be operating in areas without developed LNG-fuel bunkering facilities, necessitating new infrastructure.

General Dynamics NASSCO experience building the ships will enable it to expand its LNG-fueled vessel offerings. Moreover, MAN Diesel & Turbo will have an opportunity to demonstrate the viability of the ME-GI series slow-speed dual-fuel engines on merchant vessels.

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TOTE, December 11, 2012