TOTE announced it has reached agreement with General Dynamics NASSCO to construct an initial pair of ships to serve Puerto Rico routes, adding that it has options for three more vessels for additional domestic service.
According to TOTE, the vessels will be the most environmentally friendly containerships in the world with CO2 emissions-per-container that are 71% less than the vessels now serving Puerto Rican trade.
It claimed that particulate matter will be reduced by 99%. Sulphur oxides will be reduced by 98% and nitrogen oxides will be reduced by 91%.
“The 3,100 TEU vessels are expected to be the largest ships of any kind in the world powered primarily by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Both ships will be powered by dual-fuel LNG engines that greatly surpass the requirements of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s clean air regulations,” TOTE said in a statement.
General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego, California will build the vessels, with the first two scheduled to enter service between Jacksonville, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2015 and 2016.
TOTE pointed out that 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 also include expanded volumes for refrigeration equipment.
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.”
