---

General Dynamics NASSCO has this week delivered the world's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered containership, the Isla Bella [pictured], to TOTE Maritime. The ship was delivered nearly two months ahead of schedule.

As part of a two-ship contract signed in December 2012 with TOTE, the 764-foot-long Marlin-class containerships will be the largest dry cargo ships powered by LNG, making them the cleanest cargo-carrying ships anywhere in the world.

Kevin Graney, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics NASSCO remarked: "Successfully building and delivering the world's first LNG-powered containership here in the United States for coastwise service demonstrates that commercial shipbuilders, and owners and operators, are leading the world in the introduction of cutting-edge, green technology in support of the Jones Act."

"The delivery of this historic ship, also demonstrates successful collaboration between industry and regulatory bodies. TOTE, NASSCO, the American Bureau of Shipping, and the U.S. Coast Guard worked hand-in-hand from the beginning of the project to the delivery of the Isla Bella. This included collaboration during the design approval, construction and commissioning the ship to safely and effectively operate on natural gas," NASSCO said in a statement.

The Jones Act-qualified vessel is due to operate between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Over the past decade, NASSCO has delivered eleven commercial ships and currently has ten commercial ships in its backlog, including the two Marlin-class containerships for TOTE.