MarAd provides $900,000 to study LNG conversion

The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Maritime Administration:

(WASHINGTON) — The Maritime Administration (MarAd) has announced a $900,000 cooperative agreement with Totem Ocean Trailer Express Inc. (TOTE) to further develop knowledge regarding the costs and benefits of vessel conversions to liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion. TOTE will convert the containership M/V Midnight Sun to operate on LNG and will work with MarAd to obtain pre- and post-conversion air emissions data, and operational information to assist maritime stakeholders in assessing the potential of LNG conversions.

This demonstration project on the use of LNG for containership propulsion is a part of an ongoing program to promote increased use of alternative fuels and technology in the maritime industry. The M/V Midnight Sun is a roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) cargo ship, which provides round-trip shipping service between the Port of Tacoma, Wash., and the Port of Anchorage, Alaska. The study is expected to be completed by 2018.

By Professional Mariner Staff