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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.”2015-08-28 22.43.59_for web

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.

 

 

 

 

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