Gas engine delivered for first LNG-powered containership

Doosan Engine recently delivered the 8L70ME-GI engine to NASSCO in San Diego

JULY 15, 2014—Another milestone was marked in the construction of the world’s first LNG-powered containerships with the delivery of the world’s first dual-fuel slow-speed engine to General Dynamics’ NASSCO’s shipyard in San Diego, CA.

Korea’s Doosan Engine, under license from MAN Diesel and Turbo, delivered the first 8L70ME-GI engine for TOTE’s 3,100-TEU Marlin Class containership. Earlier this year, Doosan completed the engine’s Factory Acceptance Tests, a culmination of months of testing to ensure compliance with U.S. regulations and restrictions. TOTE is the launch customer of the ME-GI engine, a significant advancement in propulsion technology.

“The Marlin class vessels, powered by Doosan’s dual-fuel engine, will provide the most modern and reliable service available,” says Anthony Chiarello, President and CEO of TOTE. “These ships will increase shipping capacity, reduce air emissions, and ensure a cleaner environment for our workers and port communities.”

Mr. Chiarello will be the keynote speaker at Marine Log’s All About Marine Conference & Expo, which is scheduled for September 4, 2014 at the Beau Rivage Casino & Resort in Biloxi, MS.

In addition to the engines, two 900 cubic meter tanks, manufactured by Cryos, were delivered. These massive stainless steel cryogenic tanks weigh 380 tons each and will store liquefied natural gas aboard the Marlin ships.

 “The arrival of the dual-fuel main engine and LNG tanks at the NASSCO shipyard marks a milestone in the lead ship construction as well as a landmark in the era of green ship technology,” says NASSCO Program Manager for the TOTE Marlin Class, Eric Icke. The first vessel is nearly 40 percent complete and the start of construction on the second Marlin vessel in late May means the shipyard and its more than 3,000 skilled workers will be in full swing to ensure delivery of the Marlins in late 2015 and early 2016.

“These vessels are the largest investment in our company’s history,” says Denise Tabbutt, one of the three sisters who are primary shareholders in TOTE’s parent company, Saltchuk Resources. “We have a tremendous amount of confidence in the NASSCO team and we are lucky to have such incredible partners.”