San Francisco: On Saturday, General Dynamics NASSCO launched the 3,100 teu Isla Bella, the world’s first LNG-powered containership. More than 3,400 shipbuilders, their families, and others attended the special event at the San Diego-based shipyard.
The containership, part of a two-ship contract, was built for TOTE at what is the last major yard still in existence on the US west coast. The Isla Bella was also NASSCO’s 100th launch.
The 233 m long ships, equipped with MAN engines, are scheduled to operate between Jacksonville, (Jaxport) Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico, NASSCO said. The pair will be able to move at up to 22 knots.
“Ports and regions that embrace the LNG opportunities before us stand to gain the most in terms of jobs, economic growth and business connectivity with communities around the world,” commented Brian Taylor, the ceo of Jaxport, at the vessel launch.
