Posts Categorized: Environment
Interstate earns EPA SmartWay certification for thirteenth year in a row
April 7, 2016
Interstate Distributor shines in EPA’S Smartway program
A member of the EPA’s SmartWay program since 2004, Interstate Distributor continues to stand out in its commitment to the environment
Interstate is committed to being an environmentally friendly transportation company. In the past three years we have made investments to upgrade our line haul tractor fleet with 2010 and newer emissions clean air engines. Our trailer fleet is on a planned upgrade process, which includes technologies such as automated tire inflation system and aerodynamic side skirts installed on all new trailers and specific trailers in our existing fleet. Not to mention 100% of our refrigerated fleet is compliant with California Air Resource Board (CARB) requirements.
In addition to meeting state and federal emissions requirements, we continue to test and invest in green initiatives by equipping our entire fleet with low rolling resistant fuel efficient tires. We partner with Eco-Lube and use recycled engine oil to service our fleet. We have also tested and set engine parameters to optimize fuel economy and reduce engine idle time.
At Interstate, we strive to be the most efficient and green fleet in the industry and seek to continually reduce our company’s carbon footprint by conducting ongoing evaluations in fuel economy.
- Learn more about Interstate, Saltchuk’s Nationwide Trucking & Logistics business
- Read more about Interstate’s LNG fleet
- Named a Top 50 Green Fleet by Heavy Duty Trucking in 2014
TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico Successfully Performs First LNG Bunkering at Jacksonville Port
January 12, 2016
First LNG bunkering at Jacksonville Port a success
Jacksonville, FL. – On Saturday, January 9, 2016, TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico successfully loaded LNG bunkers aboard the world’s first LNG powered containership, MV Isla Bella. Approximately 100,000 LNG gallons transported by 12 TOTE-owned LNG ISO containers were loaded on schedule. The bunkering was conducted under strict US Coast Guard oversight while Isla Bella was also undergoing cargo operations.
The LNG was transferred from the ISO tank containers using a specially developed transfer skid developed by TOTE’s partner Applied Cryogenics Technologies (ACT) of Houston, Texas. The transfer skid is designed to allow four ISO tanks to be transferred to Isla Bella at once, dramatically reducing transfer time.
The LNG was sourced by TOTE’s partner, JAX LNG, LLC, from AGL Resources’ LNG production facility in Macon, Georgia. Genox Transportation, a specialized LNG trucking partner of TOTE, transported the fuel to Jacksonville. Pivotal LNG, a subsidiary of AGL Resources, also provided transfer expertise to TOTE Maritime with its highly trained LNG experts, ensured the operation was conducted safely and in accordance with best industry practices.
Oversight of the operation both at shipside and on shore was provided by TOTE Services, Inc. (TSI), TOTE Maritime’s sister company that manages the vessels.
“We are very pleased with the results of this initial LNG bunker event and know that the use of LNG in our Marlin Class vessels will provide unprecedented environmental benefits both here in Jacksonville and in Puerto Rico,” said Tim Nolan, President of TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico. “We are indebted to USCG Sector Jacksonville for their diligent oversight and assistance that was invaluable and helped make this event a success. Our partners ACT, Pivotal LNG and Genox were also major components of our success. Our sister company, TSI, has developed significant expertise in LNG as a Maritime fuel and ensures that our vessels operate safely and efficiently using this environmentally superior fuel.”
Applied Cryo Technologies, Inc. (ACT) is the premier equipment supplier for cryogenics in North America. ACT is proud to be the first to market with this type of bunkering equipment for the marine industry. Leveraging ACT’s innovative style and unrivaled experience in LNG equipment is sure to bring success to any LNG fueling project.
Pivotal LNG brings liquefied natural gas to companies and industries throughout the United States through reliable, flexible and cost-effective solutions.
TOTE Maritime provides safe, reliable transportation at the fastest speed possible for the Puerto Rican and related Caribbean trades.
78 Foss Maritime Vessels Honored for Environmental Excellence
November 16, 2015
Bruce Fernie, CSA Chair; Susan Hayman, Foss; Read Admiral Paul Thomas; Kathy Metcalf, CSA President and CEO
Thirty-eight Vessels Boast 10-plus Years of Incident Free Operation
SEATTLE, WA. – The Arthur Foss, the Drew Foss, and the Wedell Foss are just a few of the many Foss Maritime vessels that have been free of environmental mishaps for more than 20 years. With a combined 858 years without an incident, 78 Foss Maritime and subsidiary companies’ tugs and tank barges have been recognized by a major maritime organization for their environmental safety records.
The Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) announced the 2015 Environmental Achievement Awards honoring the Seattle-based company’s work on Nov. 4, 2015, in Washington, D.C.. Foss and its sister companies have 38vessels with 10 or more years without an environmental incident, with 12 of those vessels achieving 20-plus years of environmental excellence.
“We’re honored by the award,” said Paul Stevens, president and CEO.”Our corporate culture at Foss is to have the highest safety standards and care for the environment. Our customers demand this care and vigilance. Having 78 vessels recognized for environmental merit truly underscores our dedication.”
The awards are open to all owners and operators of vessels that operate on oceans or inland waterways.
“Foss’ environmental values are a key element in all of our business strategies,” said Susan Hayman, vice president of HSQE and External Affairs at Foss. “We engineer and build our state-of-the-art vessels to exceed environmental and safety requirements. It’s this commitment that helps make Foss an industry leader.”
“These awards celebrate the dedication to environmental excellence of our seafarers and the company personnel shore-side who operate our vessels to the highest standards,” said Kathy J. Metcalf, president of CSA, praising the award recipients for their commitment to serving as stewards of the environment.
A list of the vessels receiving the 2015 Environmental Achievement Award is posted on CSA’s website www.knowships.org. Click on “Press Releases”.
General Dynamics NASSCO delivers world’s first LNG-powered containership, the Isla Bella, to TOTE
October 16, 2015
Fueled by liquefied natural gas, the containership will be the cleanest cargo-carrying ship in world.
TOTE 1 at Sea Trials in August 2015
SAN DIEGO, CA. – Today, General Dynamics NASSCO delivered the world’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered containership, the Isla Bella, to TOTE Maritime. The ship was delivered nearly two months ahead of schedule. NASSCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
As part of a two-ship contract signed in December 2012 with TOTE, the 764-foot long Marlin Class containerships will be the largest dry cargo ships powered by LNG, making them the cleanest cargo-carrying ships anywhere in the world. This groundbreaking green ship technology will dramatically decrease emissions and increase fuel efficiency when compared to conventionally-powered ships, the equivalent of removing 15,700 automobiles from the road.
“Successfully building and delivering the world’s first LNG-powered containership here in the United States for coastwise service demonstrates that commercial shipbuilders, and owners and operators, are leading the world in the introduction of cutting-edge, green technology in support of the Jones Act,” said Kevin Graney, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics NASSCO.
The delivery of this historic ship, also demonstrates successful collaboration between industry and regulatory bodies. TOTE, NASSCO, the American Bureau of Shipping, and the U.S. Coast Guard worked hand-in-hand from the beginning of the project to the delivery of the Isla Bella. This included collaboration during the design approval, construction and commissioning the ship to safely and effectively operate on natural gas.
Emissions Reductions compared to Current vessels in the Puerto Rico Trade
The Jones Act-qualified ships will operate between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
As a complement to its government new construction business segment, NASSCO maintains an extensive history of commercial shipbuilding. In the past decade, NASSCO delivered eleven commercial ships and currently has ten commercial ships in its backlog, including the two Marlin Class containerships for TOTE.
For its commercial work, NASSCO partners with South Korean shipbuilding power, DSME, for access to state-of-the-art ship design and shipbuilding technologies.
NASSCO specializes in the design and construction of auxiliary and support ships for the U.S. Navy and oil tankers and dry cargo carriers for commercial markets. It is also a major provider of repair services for the Navy, with capabilities in San Diego, California; Norfolk, Virginia; Bremerton, Washington; and Mayport, Florida. Its San Diego location remains the only major shipyard on the West Coast of the United States conducting new construction and repair.
For more information, visit www.nassco.com.
More information about General Dynamics can be found at www.generaldynamics.com.
TOTE and NASSCO launch world’s most environmentally friendly containership
August 30, 2015
Perla del Caribe will reduce air emissions and result in healthier communities
San Diego, CA – Saturday, TOTE and NASSCO launched Perla del Caribe, the second of two Marlin Class ships – the first containerships in the world to be powered by natural gas.
The Perla del Caribe and her sister ship, christened Isla Bella, were purpose-built for the Puerto Rican trade for TOTE Shipholdings and will be operated by TOTE subsidiary Sea Star Line out of Jacksonville, Florida. By moving to natural gas, an environmentally superior fuel, the Marlins will reduce NOx emissions by 98 percent, SOx by 97 percent, carbon dioxide by 72 and particulate matter by 60 percent over the Ponce Class ships – the company’s vessels currently serving the trade.
Tim Nolan, President of Sea Star Line, noted “The ability to innovate and lead in the maritime sector is something that comes along once in a lifetime. . .These ships and the technology they employ will redefine what is possible in the shipping industry both here in the United States and abroad.”
Tim Engle, President of Saltchuk TOTE’s parent company also spoke at the launch ceremony. He highlighted that “TOTE is one of six lines of business that together create a national transportation network, moving cargo by land, sea and air. Saltchuk continually invests in our operations, ensuring that we provide safe, stable and proud environments for our more than 7,500 employees to come to work each day.” Reducing emissions and improving the safety of the ships TOTE operates will ensure Saltchuk and TOTE continue to set the industry standard for safety, reliability and environmental commitment.
Emma Engle, the daughter of Tim Engle and third generation of Saltchuk ownership, is the ship’s sponsor and had the honor of christening and launching the vessel.
“The Marlin Class ships are the most fuel efficient, eco-friendly containerships in the world. As the first of their kind, these ships represent the next generation of US-built ships and we at General Dynamics NASSCO are proud to be leading in that effort,” said Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO.
“Once in service the Perla del Caribe and her sister ship will be crewed by the men and women of the Seafarers International Union (SIU) and the American Maritime Officers (AMO). These organizations have a rich and distinguished history of supporting the US merchant marine with the best maritime personnel in the world, ensuring TOTE is able to deliver safe and reliable service day in and day out. We are proud of our strong partnership with SIU and AMO.” commented Phil Greene, President of TOTE Services the TOTE vessel management company that will crew and manage the Marlin Class ships.
The Perla del Caribe will enter service in the first quarter of 2016 between Jacksonville, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Isla Bella, the first Marlin Class vessel, launched in April of 2015 and will enter service later this year.