Technology group Wartsila was selected to provide products and solutions for a new ATB (articulated tug barge). The ship will be used to supply LNG (liquefied natural gas) fuel to cruise ships along Florida's east coast.
This will be the first fuelling barge with Wartsila solution operating in United States waters, and is seen as being a major logistics link for the growth of LNG as marine fuel in the USA.
The ATB has a capacity of 4000 m3. It is being built at VT Halter Marine (VTHM) shipyard, Pascagoula, Mississippi on behalf of Q-LNG Transport LLC. When delivered, the vessel will be on long-term charter with Shell Oil.
The order with Wartsila was booked this November. Deliveries will continue throughout 2018-2019, and the ATB is scheduled to commence operations in 2020.