- TOTE Maritime Alaska becomes the first US shipping company to convert their vessels to LNG.
- The company has started converting 2 of it’s Orca Class vessels into LNG vessels.
- More such conversions are lined up in the winter of next 4 years.
- All the conversions will be done by the first quarter of 2021.
The first phase of Tote’s Orca class vessels was recently completed. This conversion done by TOTE Maritime Alaska will make ships fully operational on LNG.
Impact of the conversion
“We are excited to be the first shipping company in the United States to undertake this important environmental effort,” said Mike Noone, President of TOTE Maritime Alaska. “And we are appreciative of our customers and partners who support our ongoing effort to innovate in ways that reflect our commitment to the environment and communities we serve.”
This conversion will drastically reduce air emissions from the operator’s Alaska ships, virtually eliminating sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter while drastically reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide.
Healthier environment
In addition to the LNG tanks and accompanying infrastructure, the ship received critical engine updates necessary to utilise LNG as a fuel and underwent a standard regulatory dry-dock.
Over the next four years, three more conversion periods will be required to finalise the transition of both vessels.
Each conversion period will take place in the winter to minimise the impact to customers and consumers alike. The conversion of both ships is scheduled to be complete in the first quarter of 2021.
The reduced emissions will result in a healthier environment for Tacoma, WA, Puget Sound and Anchorage, AK, the communities in which Tote Maritime operates, Mr Noone added further.
The operator’s North Star vessel has recently completed its first voyage to Anchorage following its outfit with two LNG tanks located immediately behind the ship’s bridge.
Hence, with this conversion in place a robust change in the shipping industry is on the horizon.
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Source: The Motorship
