June 2017
Seafarers-contracted and Honolulubased Pasha Hawaii on May 11 announced that the company has selected Keppel AmFELS in Brownsville, Texas, for the construction of two new liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled containerships, with the option to order two additional vessels. Pasha Hawaii was in the process of finalizing contract specifications at press time.
The new U.S. Jones Act vessels will carry 2,525 TEUs, including a fully laden capacity of 500 45-foot containers, 400 refrigerated containers, and 300 40-foot dry containers, with a sailing speed of 23.0 knots. Delivery of the first vessel is expected in the first quarter 2020, with delivery of the second vessel projected for the third quarter of 2020.
The shipyard’s “technical expertise in LNG propulsion and commitment to customer service were two very important factors in our selection decision,” said George Pasha IV, president and CEO of Pasha Hawaii. “From the start, they went above and beyond and worked closely with us in customizing a vessel design that matched our requirements. Their experience in LNG vessel conversions will also prove to be very valuable as we build LNG dual-fueled vessels for the Hawaii trade.”
According to the company, the new vessels will operate fully on LNG from day one in service, dramatically reducing environmental impact and increasing fuel efficiency. Energy savings will also be achieved with a state-of-the-art engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and propeller, the company reported.
“When compared to conventional fuels, LNG is a much cleaner alternative fuel for shipping and offers significant environmental benefits, including the reduction of up to 95 percent sulphur oxides, nearly 100 percent particulate matter, up to 90 percent nitrogen oxides, and up to 25 percent carbon dioxide emissions from engine exhaust emissions,” the company noted in a recent news release.
“As with the construction of our Jean Anne and Marjorie C (both crewed by SIU members), we look forward to working with an extremely qualified shipyard, based in the United States,” added Pasha IV. “Pasha Hawaii is a firm believer in the Jones Act, and is proud to support our shipyards and the highly skilled workers who make valuable contributions to this important industry on a daily basis.”
The Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law, requires that cargo moving between domestic ports be carried on ships that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. On the books since 1920, the law has always enjoyed strong bipartisan support and backing from U.S. military leaders. Backers site the Jones Act as critical to America’s national, economic and homeland security.
A study by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that the Jones Act helps maintain nearly 500,000 American jobs and contributes billions of dollars to the domestic economy each year.
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