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Wartsila has been selected to provide a broad scope of products and solutions for a new articulated tug barge (ATB) which will be used to supply LNG fuel to cruise ships along the east coast of Florida, US, and will be the first fuelling barge with a Wartsila solution operating in US waters.

The 4000-cubic-metre-capacity ATB is being built at the VT Halter Marine (VTHM) shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, for Quality Liquefied Natural Gas Transport LLC (Q-LNG).

As reported by Bunker Index earlier this month, the vessel will be chartered out to bunker supplier Shell and operated by Harvey Gulf International Marine, LLC.

The ATB comprises a barge and a tug. The barge will be fitted with a Wartsila LNG cargo storage, handling, and control system. Wartsila will also supply the barge automation, power management, and ballast water management systems, as well the bow thruster. The tug will include Wartsila main propulsion steerable thrusters and shaft lines, the Wartsila NACOS Platinum dynamic positioning system, the tug automation, as well as all navigation and communication equipment.

The order with Wartsila was booked in November 2017. Deliveries are scheduled to take place throughout 2018 and 2019, and the vessel is due to commence operations in 2020.

"Q-LNG is very pleased to again be partnering with Wartsila on yet another ground-breaking project. Wartsila's expertise in LNG systems, its solid reputation for top quality marine equipment, and its commitment to customer service fits in very well with Q-LNG's plan to advance the development of LNG as a marine fuel in North America," remarked Chad Verret, President of Q-LNG.

Q-LNG is owned 70 percent by Shane Guidry and 30 percent by Harvey Gulf International Marine - a company that currently has six vessels under construction or in operation with LNG solutions supplied by Wartsila.

Hanno Schoonman, General Manager Sales for Wartsila Marine Solutions in the USA, remarked: "Increasing the use of LNG as a marine fuel is at the core of our global business strategy, and this project represents an important step towards realizing that aim."