GTT, the world leader in the design of membrane containment systems for the maritime transportation and storage of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), announces that its US subsidiary, GTT North America, has received an order for one LNG bunker barge. This first dedicated LNG barge for the marine market in North America will be built by Conrad Orange Shipyard, Inc., a division of Conrad Shipyard, LLC. at its facility in Orange, Texas. The barge, for WesPac Midstream LLC (WesPac), a leading provider of energy infrastructure and LNG solutions, and its affiliate Clean Marine Energy LLC (CME), the global facilitator of tailored solutions for Emission Control Area (ECA) compliance, is expected to be delivered in the first half of 2016 and will be built with the innovative Mark III Flex cargo containment technology, which allows an optimized boil-off rate of cargo LNG and efficiently utilizes available cargo hold space. The barge is also intended to feature the innovative bunker mast design, REACH4 (Refueling Equipment Arm, Methane [CH4]) developed by GTT, to ensure a simple and safe transfer of LNG fuel to the client vessel. The barge will initially serve Totem Ocean Trailer Express's (Totem Ocean) operations in Tacoma, Washington as well as TOTE's SeaStar operations in Jacksonville.
This important industry first is the result of fruitful collaboration between GTT North America, classification societies, all pertinent sectors of the U.S. Coast Guard, and industry stakeholders that commenced as early as mid-2013 and resulted in a comprehensive LNG bunker barge solution from GTT. Earlier this year, Conrad Shipyard signed a Technical Assistance and License Agreement (TALA) with GTT North America for the design and construction of LNG barges and LNG-fueled vessel bunker tanks using GTT's membrane containment systems.
Allyn Risley, Chairman of GTT North America (GTTNA) declared: "GTTNA is very pleased to be involved in this collaboration and the first LNG bunker barge in North America, particularly as part of the formation of the local LNG supply chain. This first order in the US since the 1970's is a major milestone for GTTNA, demonstrating that GTT's proven leading-edge technology is perfectly suited and efficient for small applications".
In addition, Mr. Johnny Conrad, Chairman and CEO of Conrad Shipyard, LLC expressed his gratitude for all those who have made this first of a kind possible. "Conrad is pleased to be part of a team that has brought this project to fruition. Conrad would like to express its "Thanks" to Wespac Midstream for choosing Conrad and GTT as its partner in this venture."
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