TOTE commits to 'world's most environmentally friendly containership'
TOTE INC has committed to the construction of two state of the art LNG containerships for the Puerto Rico trade, in a milestone agreement with General Dynamics NASSCO.
The agreement, which has been dubbed a ‘major technological milestone’ offers the options for three more vessels for additional domestic container vessels, which are predicted to be the most environmentally friendly containerships in the world.
Environmentally friendly
According to a statement on the NASSCO website, the two 3,100 TEU LNG-powered containerships set a new benchmark in green ship technology, which are expected to be the largest ships of any type primarily powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The first of the vessels will be constructed in 2014 by General Dynamics NASSCO with delivery to occur in the fourth quarter of 2015. The new containerships are expected to be the most environmentally friendly containerships in the world with CO2 emissions-per-container that are 71 percent less than the vessels now in the Puerto Rican trade. According to an online statement, particulate matter will be reduced by 99 percent, with sulfur oxides reduced by 98 percent and nitrogen oxides will be reduced by 91 percent.
Large capacity
The ship design accommodates five times more 53-foot containers than current ships in Puerto Rico and will allow for the transport of everything from cars to corn syrup. The ships will include expanded volumes for refrigeration equipment, critical to ensure that pharmaceuticals, produce and other foodstuffs vital to the residents of Puerto Rico are delivered in the best possible condition. The maritime shipping trade to Puerto Rico is an essential part of sustained economic development for the Island and these vessels will provide the most modern, reliable service available. The total capital committed to the project is over $350 million.
Anthony Chiarello, President and CEO of TOTE, Inc. said, "This investment demonstrates our commitment to the people of Puerto Rico and our environment. These vessels mark a new age of shipping using the best technology in the world."
