TOTE Maritime Alaska, part of US-based TOTE, has completed the first of four conversion periods for its Orca class vessels, a process that will enable the ships to use LNG as a fuel. The company’s ‘North Star’ completed her first voyage, after being outfitted with two LNG tanks immediately behind the ship’s bridge.
In addition to the LNG tanks and accompanying infrastructure, ‘North Star’ received critical engine updates necessary to utilize LNG as a fuel and underwent a standard regulatory dry-dock. In April 2017, the company contracted MAN PrimeServ to convert two roll on/roll off vessels to dual-fuel operation on LNG.
This move is aligned with the company’s plans to drastically reduce air emissions from its ships, virtually eliminating sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter while drastically reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide. Reduced emissions are expected to create a healthier environment for Tacoma, WA, Puget Sound and Anchorage, AK, where TOTE Maritime operates.
TOTE Maritime claims to be the world’s first shipping company to announce its intention to convert their fleet, enabling the engines to use both LNG and diesel.
Over the next four years, three more conversion periods will be required to finalize the transition of TOTE Maritime Alaska’s vessels to LNG. Each of these conversion periods will take place in the winter to minimize the impact to customers and consumers alike. The conversion is scheduled to be complete in Q1 of 2021.
