General Dynamics to build 3,000-TEU LNG box ships for TOTE

General Dynamics to build 3,000-TEU LNG box ships for TOTE GENERAL Dynamics NASSCO has signed a contract with TOTE Inc, for the design and construction of two 3,100-TEU ships powered by liquefied natural gas that will be 764-feet long, making them the largest green vessels of their type in the world, said a company statement.

The contract between NASSCO and TOTE Shipholdings, a subsidiary of TOTE, contains options to purchase three additional ships.

Construction of the first ship is due to commence in the first quarter of 2014, with delivery slated for the fourth quarter of 2015. The sister ship will be delivered in the first quarter of 2016.

The vessels will operate on either fuel oil or gas derived from LNG, which will significantly decrease emissions while increasing fuel efficiency as compared to conventionally-powered ships. The LNG-powered containerships will also include a ballast water treatment system, making them the greenest ships of their size in the world. The double-hulled ships will operate between Jacksonville, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The ships will be designed by DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). The design will be based on proven containership-design standards and will include DSME's patented LNG fuel-gas system and a MAN ME-GI dual fuel slow speed engine. All of the containerships will be constructed at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, reports the Shipbuilding Tribune.

"This project breaks new ground in green ship technology," said Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. "It adds to our design and production capabilities and validates our reputation as one of the nation's leading shipyards for commercial and government, new construction shipbuilding."