Texas-based Keppel AmFELS delivered the first out of two LNG-powered containerships to US shipping firm Pasha Hawaii.
The unit of Singapore’s Keppel Offshore and Marine handed over the 235 meters long George III on Thursday, Pasha Hawaii said in a statement.
According to the Hawaii-based shipping firm and a unit of the family-owned Pasha Group, the is first LNG-powered vessel to fuel on the US West Coast and the first to serve Hawaii.
Furthermore, the Ohana Class containership and its sister vessel Janet Marie have a capacity to carry 2,525 units.
Powered by MAN ME-GI engines, they will both serve the Hawaii/Mainland trade lane.
Pasha Hawaii announced the steel-cutting ceremony for George III back in September 2018, followed by the second vessel in 2019.
It previously expected to take delivery of both of the ships in 2020, but this was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pasha Hawaii says the the new Jones Act vessel surpasses the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2030 emission standards for ocean vessels, representing the “most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly vessel” to serve Hawaii.
“We look forward to beginning service to Hawaii in August and taking delivery of the Janet Marie later this year,” CEO George Pasha, IV, said in the statement.
To remind, US LNG supplier Clean Energy Fuels joined forces with World Fuel Services to supply liquefied natural gas for the two container vessels.
The firm will provide LNG to the vessels from its plant in Boron, California.