AMO Currents - TOTE, NASSCO finalize design contract for LNG conversion of Orca Class

AMO Currents - Posted: January 31, 2013

TOTE, NASSCO finalize design contract for LNG conversion of Orca Class

General Dynamics NASSCO Jan. 28 announced a contract has been finalized with Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) to design the conversion of the company's two existing Orca Class, diesel-electric trailerships to liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion.

American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers aboard both Orca Class ships, Midnight Sun and North Star.

This design contract is in addition to the order that TOTE Shipholdings placed with NASSCO in December for the construction of new LNG-powered containerships. TOTE has committed to the construction of two state-of-the-art containerships for the Puerto Rico trade, with options for three more vessels for additional domestic service. These ships will also be manned in all licensed positions by AMO.

"We are very excited to be engaged in another LNG project with TOTE," said Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. "This project provides yet another sign that we are in the dawn of a new era of LNG propulsion. NASSCO will be a leader in the design, construction and conversion of ships to take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of LNG."