LNG Bunker Barge—Clean Canaveral

The largest US LNG Bunker Barge enters service in March 2022. It was built at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

Background

Legislation is driving the need to lower pollution through the use of alternative fuels. The Paris Agreement, the International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships treaty (MARPOL), the Clean Air Act, and the recently proposed Clean Shipping Act of 2022 all target Greenhouse Gas emissions reduction caused by Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO).

While research is still ongoing as to zero-carbon fuel options, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is currently the leading commercially viable low carbon solution. LNG offers a reduction of sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide as compared to HFO. The demand for an economical supply of LNG fueling is growing rapidly—and it is estimated that 400 new vessels using LNG will be built over the next few years.

The Future for LNG and Alternative Marine Fuels

Learn more about marine fuel emissions legislation.

DONWLOAD GUIDE

The Challenges

When NorthStar Midstream entered the LNG bunkering business in 2018, the first LNG bunker barge was not operational. They knew they were entering unchartered waters, with high potential business risks.

They wanted to transport LNG from JAX LNG (Jacksonville, FL) to Port Canaveral, FL (roughly 100 nautical miles) to fuel cruise ships (primarily the Disney Wish).

Anticipated Challenges

• Multi-year project
• New bunker barge design concept
• New flag state and regulatory regulations
• Increased number of design changes/revisions
• Time delays due to design changes/revisions

Unanticipated Challenges

• Shortages in materials due to the pandemic
• Increased lead times due to the pandemic
• Reduction in personnel due to the pandemic

The Solution

Northstar’s Polaris New Energy partnered with a company who has a reputation for reducing business risks due to its expertise in design, strategic planning, and ability to deliver on time—Fincantieri Marine Group.

Todd Thayse, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding’s Vice President and General Manager, said, “…we are excited to bring the expertise of Fincantieri, our bunker barge design knowledge, and our passion for delivering the highest quality, on-time products to the LNG market. The hard-working, proud women and men of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding will once again provide the quality and eventual on-time delivery the maritime industry has come to know and expect from our shipyards.”

Benefits

The shipping industry’s rate of LNG adoption is high. Clean Canaveral is the third LNG Bunkering vessel built in the U.S.A. and the first LNG bunker barge built by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. As emission standards change, this number will only increase.

The proposed Clean Air Act legislation is targeting 100% reduction in carbon intensity by 2040, with a progressive reduction starting in 2027.

Results

The Clean Canaveral, only the third LNG bunkering barge in the U.S., was built on time during a pandemic and “as expected, performed very well during the bunkering process,” according to Tom Sullivan, Senior VP of Operations for Seaside LNG Holdings.

Tim Casey, Senior VP LNG for Northstar, said this about Fincantieri, “They [Fincantieri Marine Group] proved to be the right partners to build the Clean Canaveral. Despite the global challenges of the last two years, they have performed above expectations.”

Timeline for LNG Bunkering Barge Delivery

• September 2018 - initial engagement with shipbuilding giant, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. Design collaboration.
• August 2019 - contract signed
• December 2021- delivery of the largest LNG bunkering barge built in the US.
• February - March 2022 – final testing and trials

Download Clean Canaveral Specification Sheet

The Outlook for LNG Bunkering Barges

Learn more about the outlook for LNG bunkering barges.

DONWLOAD GUIDE

Why Choose Fincantieri Marine Group?

LNG Bunker Barge Experience and Expertise

With three LNG Bunkering Barges in serve or under construction Fincantieri shipbuilding is well positioned to support the growing trend towards LNG fueled ships in The U.S.A.

Clean Canaveral is already in operation in Florida and Fincantieri is the chosen partner of Crowley for future LNG Bunkering vessels.

“Our growing expertise and partnerships in the LNG transportation business are recognized by the industry and position us well in this growing market. We are pleased Crowley selected our team at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to execute this important and highly visible project.” Todd Thayse, Vice President & General Manager of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.

Fincantieri Facilities

LNG bunker barges are built at the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding has climate-controlled manufacturing facilities allowing manufacturing to continue year-round, independent of weather conditions. The shipyard is equipped with a U.S. Navy-Certified Floating Drydock, a Graving Dock, ample Waterfront space, and lifting capacity to meet the most demanding requirement.

FBS recently completed a $70 million capital expansion plan for the FBS facility, including multiple climate-controlled manufacturing facilities.

About Fincantieri Marine Group

Fincantieri Marine Group is the U.S. subsidiary of one of the world’s largest shipbuilders. Established in the late 1700s, Fincantieri is legendary for designing and building military vessels, highly specialized support vessels, ferries, cruise ships, and mega yachts.

Services include new construction, repair, maintenance, and conversions in state-of-the-art shipyards that operate year-round.

For more information about LNG bunkering barge construction contact:
Justin Slater
Director of Sales and Marketing
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding
605 North 3rd Avenue
Post Office Box 830
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Office: 920-746-3373
Justin.Slater@us.fincantieri.com