MARAD funding for TOTE LNG conversion study

OCTOBER 2, 2015 — The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced a $900,000 cooperative agreement with TOTE Maritime to further develop knowledge regarding the costs and benefits of vessel conversions to liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled propulsion.

TOTE is to convert its 600 TEU Orca Class MV Midnight Sun and its sister ship North Star to operate on LNG (see earlier story). The Midnight Sun is a Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) cargo ship that provides round-trip shipping service between the Port of Tacoma, WA and the Port of Anchorage, AK.

Under the cooperative agreement, TOTE will work with MARAD to obtain pre and post-conversion air emissions data, and operational information to help maritime stakeholders in assessing the potential of LNG conversions.

MARAD says the demonstration project is a part of an ongoing program to promote increased use of alternative fuels and technology in the maritime industry.