USA gets its first Wärtsilä LNG fuelling barge
The articulated tug barge (ATB) vessel will be the first fuelling barge with a Wärtsilä solution operating in US waters and is seen as being an important logistics link for the growth of LNG as a marine fuel in the USA.
“Q-LNG is very pleased to again be partnering with Wärtsilä on yet another ground-breaking project.,” said Chad Verret, President of Q-LNG.
“Wärtsilä’s expertise in LNG systems, its solid reputation for top quality marine equipment, and its commitment to customer service fits in very well with Q-LNG’s plan to advance the development of LNG as a marine fuel in North America.”
Wärtsilä technology
The ATB comprises a barge and a tug. The barge will be fitted with a Wärtsilä LNG cargo storage, handling, and control system, as well as the barge automation, power management, and ballast water management systems and bow thruster.
The tug will include Wärtsilä main propulsion steerable thrusters and shaft lines, the Wärtsilä NACOS Platinum dynamic positioning system, the tug automation, as well as all navigation and communication equipment.
Equipment deliveries will continue throughout 2018 and 2019 and the vessel is scheduled to commence operations in 2020.
The 4000 m3 capacity ATB is being built at the VT Halter Marine (VTHM) shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi on behalf of Q-LNG. When delivered, the vessel will be on a long-term charter with Shell Oil Co.
Q-LNG is owned 70% by Shane Guidry and 30% by Harvey Gulf International Marine, a company that currently has six vessels under construction or in operation with LNG solutions supplied by Wärtsilä.
