TOTE Inks LNG Supply Deal
Image courtesy of TOTE
Anthony Chiarello (Image courtesy of TOTE)
Partnership represents the start of LNG adoption as a marine fuel in the United States.
Pivotal LNG, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources Inc., and WesPac Midstream LLC have signed a long-term agreement with TOTE, Inc. to provide liquefied natural gas (LNG) to fuel the company’s two new state-of-the-art containerships.
Pivotal LNG and WesPac are constructing a new natural gas liquefaction facility in Jacksonville, Fla., addressing the growing demand for LNG in the southeast. The land has been purchased, the engineering and permitting process is advancing, and the new Jacksonville LNG facility is expected to be operational in mid-2016. The Jacksonville site provides the capability to add additional natural gas liquefaction and LNG storage capacity in the future to supply other customers in Jacksonville and regional markets.
“This announcement marks the beginning of long-term, sustainable relationships that support the growth of LNG as a clean alternate fuel in and around the Jacksonville area,” said Steve Cittadine, president of Pivotal LNG. “The combination of this new LNG facility in Jacksonville and our existing portfolio of LNG assets positions us well to serve the fueling needs of our current and future customers in the southeast, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and potentially the broader Caribbean market.”
Dave Smith, president of WesPac commented, “With this landmark agreement, WesPac has secured property in Jacksonville for the construction of the first LNG liquefaction facility supplying marine fuel in North America. Together with our partners Pivotal LNG and TOTE, we’ve effectively established LNG as the fuel of the future for marine vessels in the US. We look forward to the completion of the project and expanding the facility going forward as more markets transition to clean LNG fuel.”
TOTE’s new dual-fuel Marlin-class containerships, the first in the world, are expected to be delivered to Jacksonville in late 2015 and early 2016 and will operate between Jacksonville and Puerto Rico. Operating these new LNG-powered containerships will result in significant emissions reductions, making them the most environmentally friendly ships in the world. Both ships, powered by dual-fuel LNG engines, greatly surpass the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s clean air regulations.
Anthony Chiarello, president and CEO of TOTE said, “It’s an exciting time for TOTE, WesPac, Pivotal LNG and the Puerto Rico trade. The new Marlin class vessels that will enter service in late 2015 are the first LNG powered containerships in the world. This significant investment in the trade, the environment and in Jones Act vessels will create a long-lasting, positive impact in Jacksonville and Puerto Rico.”
"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," said Brian Taylor, CEO of the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT). "This important agreement solidifies Northeast Florida's place as a pioneer in the commercial benefits of LNG, thanks to groundbreaking decisions by our long-time port customers, and the innovative spirit of the business and political leadership in our region."
