The following is text of a news release from Conrad Industries:
(MORGAN CITY, La.) — Conrad Industries, Inc. has announced the successful completion and delivery of Clean Jacksonville, the first LNG bunker barge built in North America.
The 232-foot Clean Jacksonville designed by Bristol Harbor Group was constructed in Orange, Texas, at Conrad Orange Shipyard, a subsidiary of Conrad Industries, and the safe and successful gas trial execution took place in Port Fourchon, La. The vessel will enter service for TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico in the Port of Jacksonville, Fla., where it will bunker two Marlin Class containerships operating on LNG fuel between Jacksonville and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“The successful completion and delivery of the Clean Jacksonville is both a proud and humbling moment for Conrad. I am proud of our team’s tenacious dedication to the completion of this project and unwavering adherence to our commitments. At the same time, we are humbled and grateful to be a part of an unparalleled international partnership comprised of the owner, our engineering groups, vendors and manufacturers who made this vessel a reality,” stated Brett Wolbrink, vice president of Conrad LNG, LLC.
Of equal importance was the extensive collaboration with regulatory agencies to accomplish this industry first. Mr. Wolbrink went on to state, “We were fortunate to have such a good working relationship with the USCG and ABS throughout the design, engineering and construction of the LNG bunker barge.”
“Conrad has been at the helm of many firsts,” said Johnny Conrad, President and CEO of Conrad Industries, Inc. “It is the first LNG bunker barge built in North America. It is the first time the GTT membrane system has been installed in a non self-propelled barge in the U.S. It is the first time an LNG bunker mast of this type has been built. The list goes on.”
“TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico is excited to utilize the Clean Jacksonville for our LNG bunkering. Our partners, including Conrad Shipyard and GTT, have been critical in our development of North America’s first LNG bunker barge. The use of LNG as a maritime fuel results in tremendous environmental benefits – including air and water quality improvements – and this barge is the final critical component of our LNG program in Jacksonville” noted Tim Nolan, President and CEO of TOTE.
Mr. Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, added: “GTT has been honored to play a key role in the successful delivery of this first US LNG bunker barge by Conrad. The broad collaboration between TOTE, Conrad, the myriad project stakeholders, and U.S. regulators led to the successful design, construction, and commissioning of this unique and ground- breaking project. Beyond our traditional role of designing the cargo containment and other cryogenic elements, such as the innovative REACH4TM bunker mast, GTT adapted and expanded its support services to ensure the effective training of the barge crew and the safe and satisfactory execution of the barge commissioning activities and gas trials. Adapting to meet the requirements and fill the gaps within this growing industry is essential to continue to develop LNG as the preferred and cleaner marine fuel of the future. GTT remains committed to that vision.”
“Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. was an invaluable partner with Conrad to bring this project from inception to reality’, said Wolbrink. “Not only did they perform the vessel design development and naval architectural work, they took on the overall responsibility of managing and spearheading the risk assessments and regulatory review process for our entire engineering efforts comprised of both domestic and international based teams. Their leadership in this area and working relationship with ABS and USCG was a critical component of successfully completing the project.”
Conrad concluded, “While it has been a challenge and true learning experience, the Clean Jacksonville is a triumph for the U.S. Maritime industry. I am proud of Conrad’s commitment."
