MARAD provides funding to further study LNG as marine fuel for containerships

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced it has entered a $900,000 cooperative agreement with Totem Ocean Trailer Express Inc. (TOTE) to study the costs and benefits of converting vessel to liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion.

Under the agreement, TOTE who is to convert its containership MV Midnight Sun to operate on dual fuel LNG, will work with MARAD to obtain pre- and post-conversion air emissions data, as well as operational information.

According to MARAD, the initiative aims to assist maritime stakeholders in assessing the potential results of LNG conversions as part of its ongoing program to promote increased use of alternative fuels and technology in the maritime industry.

The roll-on/roll-off cargo ship MV Midnight Sun, which provides round-trip shipping service between the Port of Tacoma, Wash. and the Port of Anchorage, Alaska, is scheduled to be converted at Singapore’s Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd starting in December for a refit expected to be completed within 90 days.

The study is expected to be completed by 2018.