On Saturday, August 29, 2015, the world’s first series of energy efficient containerships welcomed its second LNG-powered vessel in San Diego, fueling the U.S. maritime industry with cutting edge economic and environmental efficiencies powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
“The launch of Perla del Caribe marks a momentous step forward for the future of U.S. maritime, using green technology to ensure the products we deliver are transported safely and efficiently, all while using the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation,” said Tom Allegretti, chairman of the American Maritime Partnership (AMP), the voice of the domestic maritime industry.
Shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO launched TOTE’s newest Marlin Class vessel Perla del Caribe in the San Diego Bay, celebrating the many growth opportunities the new Jones Act ship will provide to the U.S. economy including adding more family-wage jobs to support the nearly 500,000 men and women who work for the maritime sector.
These state-of-the-art LNG-fueled vessels will reduce particulate matter by 98 percent as well as carbon dioxide emissions by 72 percent, the equivalent of removing more than 15,700 cars from the road.
Perla del Caribe will be homeported in Jacksonville, Florida and will service Puerto Rico.