HONOLULU, HI. — A new chapter in clean energy is starting in Hawaii. At Young Brothers Ltd.’s Port of Honolulu facility, Sandia National Laboratories is leading the Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell project to test a hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered generator as an alternative to conventional diesel generators.
“We are pleased to help expand this clean energy technology to new applications,” said Young Brothers, Ltd., President Glenn Hong. Young Brothers is hosting a project led by Sandia National Laboratories to test a hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered generator as an alternative to diesel in powering refrigerated containers. (Photo by David Murphey)
The project kickoff was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, Young Brothers President Glenn Hong and Sandia California Vice President Marianne Walck.
“Today, we take another big step in transforming our nation to a clean energy economy,” said Schatz. “The fuel cell technology being deployed today will one day mean less carbon pollution in our ports and on the high seas. The great work from all the partners involved, especially Young Brothers, is helping lead the way to a cleaner, more energy-efficient future.”
In June, Hawaii Gov. David Ige signed four energy bills, including one that strengthens Hawaii’s commitment to clean energy by directing the state’s utilities to generate 100 percent of their electricity sales from renewable resources by 2045. As the most oil-dependent state in the nation and one that could be most affected by rising sea levels, Hawaii has become an early adopter of emerging technologies and innovative energy solutions.
Hydrogen more efficient than diesel
Planning for the Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell project began in late 2012 with a study that determined that hydrogen fuel cells could replace diesel generators in providing auxiliary power on board and to ships at berth. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Fuel Cell Technologies Office and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration are funding the six-month deployment of the hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered generator.
“At the point of use, hydrogen fuel cells produce nothing but water — zero pollutant emissions and no greenhouse gases,” said Joe Pratt, Sandia’s project lead. “This technology could enable major commercial ports and marine vessels to lessen their environmental impacts.”
An analysis by Sandia and DOE showed that due to fluctuating loads in maritime auxiliary power applications, a hydrogen fuel cell, which only supplies power when it is needed, is more energy efficient than a diesel engine.
Hydrogenics Corp. designed and built the hydrogen fuel cell generator unit, comprised of four 30-kilowatt fuel cells, a hydrogen storage system and power-conversion equipment, all packaged in a 20-foot shipping container. With 75 kilograms of on-board hydrogen storage, the generator has enough energy to power 10 refrigerated containers for 20 continuous hours of operation.
Clean power at the Port of Honolulu
The unit already is providing power to refrigerated containers on shore. Soon it will begin powering the same refrigerated containers on Young Brothers’ barges that distribute goods to Hawaii’s other islands. Young Brothers is a subsidiary of Foss Maritime Co.
“Young Brothers will be testing and demonstrating this technology on our on-shore and ocean environments over the next six months,” said Hong. “We are very pleased to have been selected to participate in this project with our many national and international partners in expanding this clean technology into new applications.”
Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu is supplying the hydrogen to power the fuel cell. The hydrogen is produced by electrolysis, the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, using electricity supplied by Hickam’s solar-powered electrical grid.
Future deployment and other ports
Following the six-month test of the fuel cell unit, the project team will analyze the project’s successes and challenges, including the operating and cost parameters needed to make a business case at other ports.
“The long-range goal is to develop a commercial-ready technology that can be widely used at other ports,” said Pratt. “The project team sees a strong market need and desire for a fuel cell solution, not only at maritime ports but also for users who aren’t connected to a grid. That could extend to developing countries and remote locations worldwide.”
To learn more, visit Sandia’s Maritime Hydrogen website.
Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corp., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. With main facilities in Albuquerque, N.M., and Livermore, Calif., Sandia has major R&D responsibilities in national security, energy and environmental technologies and economic competitiveness.
Tacoma, WA – Totem Ocean Trailer Express (Totem Ocean) announced that it has signed a contract with Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M)’s wholly owned subsidiary Keppel Shipyard Ltd for the conversion of the Midnight Sun to dual fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion. This is the world’s first major conversion of a large RO/RO vessel to LNG. The work will begin in December and is expected to be completed in 90 days.
Once complete, the Midnight Sun will emit fewer air and greenhouse gas emissions, reducing emissions of particulate matter by 91 percent, NOx by 100 percent, SOx by 90 percent and carbon dioxide by 35 percent. Her sister ship, the North Star, is expected to be converted in the 2016/2017 time frame.
Totem Ocean will be the first in North America to begin the conversion to natural gas. Totem Ocean is part of the TOTE and Saltchuk organization that is leading the maritime industry into LNG with the introduction of the world’s first LNG powered containership into the Puerto Rico trade later this year.
“Totem Ocean is excited to partner with Keppel for the conversion of the Midnight Sun, enabling her to operate on natural gas” stated John Parrott, President of Totem Ocean. “The removal and replacement of the four engines, adding 2,200 cubic meters of LNG capacity along with the addition of 47 kilometers of new cabling is a complex undertaking, and we are confident that Keppel will provide safe, timely, high-quality work to ensure the best outcome for Totem Ocean and our customers.”
Mr Michael Chia, Managing Director (Marine & Technology), Keppel Offshore & Marine, said, “We are happy to start a new partnership with Totem Ocean who has entrusted us with the conversion of their first RO/RO vessel to run on both diesel and natural gas. Due to natural gas’ cleaner burning properties, more and more vessel owners are choosing to have their ships powered by LNG. Leveraging our strong track record and experience in ship modification and conversion work, Keppel is well positioned to capture this growing market to meet the industry’s needs for environmentally friendly solutions.”
Puget Sound Energy, in partnership with Totem Ocean and the Port of Tacoma, has plans to construct an LNG liquefaction terminal at the Port that will serve Totem Ocean, residents of Puget Sound and the broader transportation industry in the Pacific Northwest. This facility is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2018.
In the short term, TOTE and its partner WesPac are building North America’s first LNG bunker barge to deliver fuel to the ships once converted.
The Paw of Approval recognizes outstanding achievement by a Pierce County business in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Park Board President Tim Reid presented the award, which was accepted by Hartleigh Caine, senior operations manager for Totem Ocean Trailer Express. She also is a Zoo Society board member. The Paw of Approval spotlights work being done to combat climate change, a key to maintaining habitat for polar bears and other Arctic animals.
“We are fortunate to have a corporate neighbor like Totem Ocean Trailer Express, with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, operating out of Tacoma,” said John Garner, a passionate conservation specialist who instituted the award during his tenure as the zoo’s education curator. “It’s a pleasure to recognize a company that is leading the nation in addressing global climate change.”
Totem Ocean, which supplies more than one-third of all goods to the state of Alaska, installed shoreside power for its ships in 2010, according to its nomination for the Paw of Approval Award. Shoreside power allows ships to recharge through the electrical grid as they load and unload, instead of burning fuel oil while docked. The shipping company said this allowed it to reduce its greenhouse emissions by 2,600 tons per year.
The company also is working to convert its fleet to liquefied natural gas (LNG), reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 35 percent and other air emissions and particulate matter by at least 90 percent. It expects to begin conversion of one ship this year and another in 2016. “We are honored to receive this award and proud of the work that we are doing to reduce our impact on the environment,” noted John Parrott, President of Totem Ocean Trailer Express. “We care deeply about the communities we serve, and converting our ships to LNG will further reduce our carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality.”
The Paw of Approval award signifies the power of polar bears, some of the most magnificent mammals on earth, and emphasizes the link between the animals’ health and climate change. Polar bears rely on sea ice to launch their hunts for the seals that sustain their lives. Unchecked destruction of hunting grounds due to climate change endangers their existence.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium long has aided polar bear research and conservation efforts. The zoo parking lots and drives are “idle free” zones, in which motorists are asked to turn their engines off while they’re waiting for someone, thus reducing tailpipe emissions.
“The race to save polar bears will not be run in the Arctic, but instead in the cities that produce emissions tied to global warming,” said Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Education Curator Karen Povey, who made a presentation about the Paw of Approval award before parks commissioners on Monday evening. “We’re proud to acknowledge that Totem Ocean shares the values of the zoo and Metro Parks Tacoma in providing leadership in environmental stewardship within our community,” she added. The zoo is home to three polar bears, Boris, Blizzard and Glacier. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the Northwest’s only combined zoo and aquarium, promotes responsible stewardship of the world’s resources through education, conservation, research and recreational opportunities. The zoo, a division of Metro Parks Tacoma, is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA).
San Diego, CA– More than 3,200 gathered to watch as the world’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered containership, christened Isla Bella, was launched tonight in San Diego. The ships’ owner TOTE, in partnership with General Dynamics NASSCO, celebrated the completion of the first of two Marlin Class containerships headed to Puerto Rico later this year.
The use of LNG as a marine fuel in the U.S. defines a major shift for the industry. By switching to LNG, TOTE is reducing NOx emissions by 98 percent, SOx by 97 percent, carbon dioxide by 72 and particulate matter by 60 percent in the Puerto Rico trade.
In his remarks Anthony Chiarello, President and CEO of TOTE noted “Building the Marlins has been about change as well as bold and innovative thinking. NASSCO and our other partners have enabled us to build these ships that reflect our commitment to the environment and doing what is right.”
The Marlin Class vessels have attracted international attention as the first cargo ships in the world to run on natural gas. In addition to their improved environmental profile, the Marlins will represent a new standard in safety and TOTE’s long-term commitment to the people of Puerto Rico.
The Chairman of Saltchuk, TOTE’s parent company, Mark Tabbutt thanked the many partners who worked on the new generation of containership. “We especially want to thank the hundreds of men and women that did the real work – the welding, the piping, the lifting, the planning, the electrical, the designing, the logistics, the painting, and all the other work that went into making these ships a reality.” He went on to recognize the support of the U.S. Maritime Administration and NASSCO for their long term partnership.
The ship’s name, Isla Bella, was selected from a contest hosted in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Puerto Rico. Isla Bella translates to beautiful island in English and will serve as a reminder of the cultural and economic significance of the ships for future generations.
Sophie Sacco, wife of Michael Sacco President of the Seafarers International Union, is the ship’s sponsor and had the honors of christening and launching the vessel.
Congressman Duncan Hunter, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation provided the keynote address. “America’s maritime industry is critical not just for the economic benefits, but for national security purposes as well. With the launch of the world’s first natural gas-powered containership, NASSCO and TOTE prove that American shipbuilders and American ships can lead the industry in innovation, and it is my hope that American shipbuilders and operators can continue to build upon this success.”
General Paul Selva, Commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) also spoke. “This first Marlin class ship exemplifies the technology and innovation that the United States is known for. It also highlights the commitment of companies like TOTE to supporting the U.S. military and maritime sector that is vitally important to our national defense” he noted in his remarks.
“The launch of the Isla Bella signals a very significant milestone for the thousands of men and women at NASSCO. Not only does it commemorate NASSCO’s 100th ship launch, it validates NASSCO’s capability to break new ground in green ship technology and lead in the design, construction, and conversion of ships to take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of LNG,” said Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO.
The Isla Bella will enter service in the fourth quarter of 2015 between Jacksonville, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The second Marlin Class vessel will be launched in the third quarter of 2015 and will enter service in the first quarter of 2016.
New Think About It ad will highlight TOTE’s LNG-powered containerships
The world’s first natural gas powered containerships are getting national attention as the focus of the newest advertisement in the Think About It campaign sponsored by America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA).
The ad, which launched today, highlights TOTE Maritime’s new liquefied natural gas (LNG) containerships. The ships have received praise within the shipping industry since the company made the announcement it was building them in December of 2012, but ANGA’s campaign is expected to catapult the project to the national stage, drawing attention to innovation and environmental responsibility in U.S. shipping.
“TOTE Maritime is the first U.S. maritime company to announce the conversion of its fleet to natural gas,” noted Anthony Chiarello, President and CEO of TOTE, the parent company of TOTE Maritime. “Switching to natural gas will significantly reduce our emissions, improving air quality for our employees and the communities we serve.”
Construction of the first of two new Marlin class ships is nearing completion at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif. The first ship will enter service between Jacksonville, Fla., and San Juan, Puerto Rico later this year as the most advanced, environmentally responsible vessel of its kind. The second ship will enter service in early 2016.
“We’re thrilled to highlight TOTE Maritime’s leadership in using natural gas to fuel its newest containership,” ANGA President and CEO Marty Durbin said. “This innovative ship marks a major milestone in the growing use of natural gas for marine transportation, driven by natural gas’ abundant supply and clear environmental benefits.”
TOTE also has plans to convert two of its existing ships serving Anchorage, Alaska, from the Port of Tacoma, Wash., to LNG by 2017. In both markets, the use of natural gas will significantly reduce particulate matter and carbon dioxide emissions along with sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide.
Mark Tabbutt, Chairman of Seattle-based Saltchuk, the owner of TOTE, commented, “We are proud of TOTE and the work that it is doing to advance LNG as an alternative maritime fuel. It’s an honor and a privilege to have this story told on a national scale.”
ANGA’s ad campaign highlights TOTE and Saltchuk’s investment and leadership in clean energy solutions. Television and radio ads will air today in national outlets and various media markets.
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