Q-LNG Transport And VT Halter To Build Second LNG Bunkering Vessel On Spec
Quality Liquefied Natural Gas Transport LLC (Q-LNG) announced August 29 that it is pursuing its commitment to support the cruise line industry and its liquefied natural gas marine fueling needs by executing a letter of intent with VT Halter Marine Inc. to construct an additional 8,000-cubic-meter LNG bunkering vessel on speculation.
Q-LNG’s CEO Shane Guidry said, “With the past and recent announcements by major cruise lines to build and deliver LNG powered cruise ships to the U.S. market, Q-LNG is committed to deliver the safest, most cost-effective solution to the cruise line industry.”
Q-LNG said in its press release that the new contract represents a continuation of Q-LNG’s commitment to developing LNG fueling infrastructure in North America. Q-LNG and its minority partner, Harvey Gulf International Marine, will own and operate these assets to provide marine transportation of LNG, a critical component of U.S. LNG infrastructure, to various ports in Florida and the Caribbean. Q-LNG is 70 percent owned by Guidry and 30 percent by Harvey Gulf.
Guidry added, “Harvey Gulf, my partner in Q-LNG, announced five years of safe operations without a recordable incident. The operations teams at Harvey Gulf and Q-LNG stand ready to deliver the same level of safety performance to the entire cruise line industry.”
Q-LNG is currently contracted with VT Halter for the construction of America’s first offshore LNG articulated tug and barge (ATB). This ATB will be constructed to meet the requirements of U.S. Flag, ABS Class, and the International Gas Carrier Code and is designed to carry 4,000 cubic meters of LNG, with the component barge being 324 feet long by 64 wide by 32.6 feet deep, and the sea-going tug measuring 128 feet long by 42 feet wide by 21 feet deep.
The new project “will mirror closely the current vessel under construction, by utilizing a significant amount of the detail design and engineering,” Guidry said. “The new 8,000-cubic-meter design captures all lessons and efficiencies learned from the first ATB. Thus, Q-LNG will be able to deliver the follow-on design in a shorter period of time at a highly competitive price. By working with current equipment suppliers, we are able to leverage cost saving efficiencies while ensuring a positive outcome for the delivery and reliability during operations.”
