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First LNG-powered vessel transits the Panama Canal

The first vessel powered by LNG, transited the Panama Canal on 30 October, a US-flagged box ship named Isola Bella.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

November 2, 2015

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‘The use of LNG as fuel in US defines a major change for the shipping industry, since the use of this fuel pollution to the environment is reduced by a large percentage, so that the whole world will benefit from the use of this product,’ Panama Canal Authority (ACP) vp of operations Esteban Saenz said.

The vessel was built at a cost of $350m, she has 232 m long and is capable of carrying 3,100 teu. By switching to LNG vessel it reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 98%, sulphur dioxide 97%, carbon dioxide and 76%.

The Isola Bella will enter service in the fourth quarter of 2015 from Jacksonville, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico. A second vessel Marlin-class will be launched in the third quarter of 2015 and enter service in the first quarter of 2016.

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About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

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