The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(SAN DIEGO) — The Coast Guard issued a certificate of inspection (COI) to the motor vessel Isla Bella on Saturday.
The 764-foot, 3,100-TEU U.S.-flagged vessel is the first containership in the world capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The Isla Bella was built by NASSCO in San Diego for operation by TOTE Services in trade between Jacksonville, Fla., and Puerto Rico. As a marine fuel, LNG is a clean-burning compound that complies with the latest standards and regulations for greenhouse gas emissions.
"Vessels issued certificates of inspection have undergone a rigorous set of inspections to ensure they conform to U.S. laws and regulations that ensure the vessel has suitable structure, proper equipment and crew accommodations," said Lt. Cmdr. Kris J. Szczechowicz, chief, Prevention Department, Sector San Diego. "The Isla Bella is inspected under the U.S. Coast Guard's Alternate Compliance Program, which is a voluntary alternate process for a U.S. registered vessel to obtain a certificate of inspection by complying with the standards of an authorized classification society, international conventions and a U.S. supplement."
Isla Bella is scheduled to depart San Diego on Monday.
"I am truly honored to issue this certificate of inspection to the master of the motor vessel Isla Bella," said Capt. Jonathan S. Spaner, commander, Sector San Diego. "This ship is a great American story of vision, innovation, hard work and determination. Indeed, the Isla Bella is the most environmentally friendly containership in the world today. With over 90 percent of all trade moving on the water, our involvement with this project will help to shape standards and regulations globally that advance the balance among commerce, security and environmental sustainability. I congratulate everyone who played a part on this historic project."
The Coast Guard worked collaboratively with numerous industry partners over the past several years to ensure the delivery of a safe, secure, and environmentally compliant vessel that is ready for operation.
