General Dynamics NASSCO has launched what it says is the world's first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered containership.
As part of a two-ship contract signed in December 2012 with TOTE, a transportation and logistics company, the 764-foot-long Marlin class containerships will also include a ballast water treatment system.
Upon delivery in late 2015, the Jones Act-qualified ships, named Isla Bella, will operate between Jacksonville, Fla., and San Juan, Puerto Rico.Â
‘The launch of the Isla Bella signals a very significant milestone for the thousands of men and women at NASSCO. Not only does it commemorate NASSCO's 100th ship launch, it validates NASSCO's capability to break new ground in green ship technology and lead in the design, construction and conversion of ships to take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of LNG,’ says Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO.
