Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in the US has christened the recently constructed LNG bunker barge ‘Clean Everglades” a sister ship to the LNG barge ‘Clean Canaveral’, delivered by FBS in 2021.
Clean Canaveral has made more than 65 successful LNG bunker deliveries. Similar in design and appearance, the new articulated tug barge (ATB) will hold 5,500m3 of LNG and will be operated by Polaris New Energy (PNE). the bunkering arm of Seaside LNG, which claims the largest fleet of Jones Act-compliant LNG barges operating in the US.
FBS VP and GM Jan Allman said: “The previous FBS-built LNG barge was delivered on schedule during the global pandemic, which was quite an accomplishment. We are ready to deliver the Clean Everglades six weeks ahead of schedule, thanks in part to a clean, brilliant design and the motivated, experienced shipbuilders here at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.”
FBS was contracted by Seaside LNG to build a 5,500 cubic meter (CBM) LNG bunker barge.
Tim Casey CEO Seaside LNG said: “Polaris New Energy is excited to continue to expand the LNG bunkering infrastructure in the United States. The delivery of the Clean Everglades will give us the ability to expand our LNG bunkering business to the Gulf of Mexico. Partnering with the talented and professional staff at FBS has produced a second exceptional vessel.”
According to FBS, demand for LNG to fuel the maritime sector is growing rapidly with orders for LNG vessels eclipsing 30% of the fleet orderbook as the industry advances its sustainability goals to meet growing emissions reductions goals. The new ATB is fitted with four 1,375m3 IMO Type C tanks. It will utilise a cargo handling system designed and developed by Wärtsilä. The vessel is 340ft overall length, 66ft beam, 32ft-10in deep and is classed by ABS as an Oceans Classed barge.
