Posted on October 25, 2023
Seaside LNG and Polaris New Energy have christened the LNG bunker barge Clean Everglades at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
The vessel will serve as the sister ship to the largest Jones Act-compliant LNG bunkering barge, Clean Canaveral, which was delivered by FBS two years ago and has successfully completed over 65 LNG bunker deliveries based out of Port Canaveral, Florida. With a similar design and look, the articulated tug barge has a capacity of 5,500 cubic meters of LNG.
“The previous FBS-built LNG barge was delivered on schedule during the global pandemic, which was quite an accomplishment,” said Jan Allman, FBS’ Vice President and General Manager. “We are ready to deliver the Clean Everglades six weeks ahead of schedule, thanks in part to a clean, brilliant design and the motivated, experienced shipbuilders here at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.”
Seaside LNG had contracted FBS to construct a 5,500 cubic meter LNG bunker barge, further expanding its fleet of Jones Act-compliant LNG barges operating in the United States. In addition to the Clean Canaveral and Clean Everglades, Seaside LNG also operates the Clean Jacksonville, which it acquired earlier this year from TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, LLC, a subsidiary of TOTE Group. Polaris New Energy, a subsidiary of Seaside LNG Holdings, serves as Seaside’s bunkering company.
“Polaris New Energy is excited to continue to expand the LNG bunkering infrastructure in the United States” said Tim Casey CEO of Seaside LNG. “The delivery of the Clean Everglades will give us the ability to expand our LNG bunkering business to the Gulf of Mexico. Partnering with the talented and professional staff at FBS has produced a second exceptional vessel.”
The demand for LNG in the maritime sector continues to grow, with LNG vessel orders accounting for over 30% of the fleet orderbook as the industry strives to achieve its emissions reduction goals.
The 5,500 cubic meter ATB (Articulated Tug Barge) is equipped with four 1,375 CBM (Cubic Meter) IMO Type C tanks and utilizes a cargo handling system developed by Wartsila. With overall dimensions of 340 feet in length, 66 feet in beam, and a depth of 32 feet and 10 inches, the ATB is also classified as an Oceans Classed ABS barge.
For now, the Clean Everglades will remain in Great Lakes until the reopening of the St. Lawrence Seaway amid a strike by workers on the Canadian side of the binational waterway.
