Quality Liquefied Natural Gas Transport (Q-LNG) has received Coast Guard and regulatory approvals to move forward with construction on two variants of its current design. The designs, each for a 5,400m3 and 8,000m3 articulated tug and barge, are both variants of the 4,000m3 ATB design currently under construction at VT Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Miss.
Q-LNG is currently contracted with VT Halter for the construction of the first U.S. offshore LNG ATB, which includes a 324'x64'x32.6' barge and 124'x42'x21' tug. The ATB is being 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.
The approvals from the Coast Guard represent a continuation of Q-LNG’s commitment to developing LNG fueling infrastructure in North America. Q-LNG will own and operate these assets to further provide marine transportation of LNG, a critical component of U.S. LNG infrastructure, to various ports on the Atlantic Coast, Caribbean and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
Shane Guidry, Q-LNG’s CEO and CEO at Harvey Gulf International Marine , which operates the largest fleet of U.S.-flag LNG service vessels and the first LNG marine fueling terminal in North America. The five vessels and fueling facility have been operating for seven years without any incident.
“As an industry leader we are committed to continued support of the cruise and broader maritime industry in North America and abroad,” Guidry said. “This new project will closely mirror the current vessel under construction by utilizing a significant amount of the design and engineering details, applying all lessons and efficiencies learned from the 4,000m3 ATB. Q-LNG will be able to deliver the follow-on designs in a shorter period of time at a highly competitive price.”
Guidry said that by working with current equipment suppliers Q-LNG is able to leverage efficiencies and ensure competitive pricing, while positively impacting vessel construction, delivery and reliability during operations. “Major cruise, tanker and container ship operators are continuing their commitment to build and deliver LNG powered ships to the market, and Q-LNG is ready meet the challenge,” he said. “We will deliver the safest, most cost effective and most technologically advanced solutions to the maritime industry.”
