Thu 5 Mar 2015, 14:49 GMT

Conrad Industries confirms LNG bunker barge contract


Texas-based Conrad Orange Shipyard to build first North American barge capable of fuelling ships with liquefied natural gas.



Conrad Industries yesterday confirmed that its subsidiary Conrad Orange Shipyard has received its first order for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker barge for use in the North American market. The vessel would be the first barge built in North America to fuel ships with LNG.

The LNG bunker barge has been ordered by WesPac Midstream LLC for an undisclosed sum, and is intended to be initially used by WesPac Midstream's affiliate Clean Marine Energy in Tacoma, Washington, to service LNG-powered TOTE 'Marlin class' vessels. Ultimately the vessel is planned to be used in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Conrad press release follows a statement made towards the end of last month by WesPac Midstream confirming the construction contract.

The barge is scheduled to be built at Conrad Orange Shipyard in Orange, Texas. French engineering firm Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) has licensed Conrad Orange Shipyard to equip the ship with its Mark III Flex cargo containment system. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2016.

Speaking in this week's statement, Conrad Industries CEO Johnny Conrad said: "Being a part of this project is an honor for Conrad Industries. This contract represents a first for our industry, and country. To have the opportunity to provide a Conrad barge to such innovative partners as WesPac, Clean Marine Energy, and in partnership with GTT is exciting for us, and demonstrates our organization's ability to produce a wide variety of sophisticated vessels for our customers."

Conrad Industries is headquartered in Morgan City, Louisiana. The company builds and designs a range of vessels including barges, ferries, liftboats, tugboats, and offshore supply vessels. Conrad Industries works at five shipyards in Texas and southern Louisiana.


Sing Fuels logo. Sing Fuels seeks Asia-based supply trader to bolster bunker procurement team  

Singapore bunkering firm is recruiting a supply trader to manage marine fuel purchasing across Asia.

MOL joint naming ceremony. MOL names world's first ammonia-fuelled Capesize bulk carriers  

Naming of Ruri Mirai, Ruri Sekai and Ruri Hikari signals ammonia's arrival as a marine fuel for large bulk carriers.

Washington State Hybrid-Electric 160-Auto Ferry vessel render. ABB wins Washington State Ferries' third hybrid-electric vessel order  

ABB extends its role in the US ferry operator's electrification programme, which targets emission-free operations by 2050.

Aurora Borealis vessel. Kawasaki Heavy Industries delivers LPG-fuelled carrier Aurora Borealis  

Ship could also be modified in future to allow for ammonia-fuelled operation.

Rendering of Estonia's first shore-charged electric ferry. Estonian State Fleet's shore-charged electric ferry completes model testing in Germany  

Hull and propulsion tests show the vessel's energy consumption remains within contracted limits with room to spare.

Kypros Island vessel. Tsuneishi delivers first methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax bulk carrier from Chinese yard  

Shipbuilder claims progress towards establishing a mass-production system for vessels designed to reduce environmental impact.

ZIM LNG container vessel. Los Angeles and Long Beach identify LNG and methanol as key near-term marine fuels  

Joint feasibility study maps out demand projections and infrastructure needs to support cleaner shipping fuels at San Pedro Bay

Alexander Treff, Christiania Energy, Christiania Energy welcomes student assistant to Copenhagen office  

Alexander Treff joins marine fuels firm while studying international business at Copenhagen Business School.

Carlotta Cosulich vessel. Cosulich Marine Energy takes delivery of third methanol-ready bunker tanker  

Carlotta Cosulich joins the group’s fleet, bringing its four-vessel bunkering programme closer to completion.

Rendering of a Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessel Wallenius Wilhelmsen orders four dual-fuel PCTCs, extends fleet renewal programme  

Shipping firm signs for LNG-fuelled car carriers with options for eight more, with deliveries from 2030.