TOTE Assigns LNG Newbuilds to Puerto Rico Link

The U.S.-based TOTE Shipholdings Inc., and Sea Star Line LLC, operating companies of TOTE Inc., have agreed on the charter of the two liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered container ships being built
by TOTE Shipholdings at NASSCO in San Diego, CA. The new Marlin Class ships will almost double the cargo capacity available to Puerto Rico each week.

”Improved technology and the use of LNG result in tremendous emissions reductions” said Ben Christian, Project Manager at TOTE Shipholdings. ”The new Marlin Class will reduce particulate matter by 98 percent, sulfur oxide emissions by 97 percent, carbon dioxide emissions by 72 percent and nitrous oxide emissions by 60 percent.” The first of the two ships, Hull 495, will enter the Puerto Rico trade in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the second ship, Hull 496, will enter the trade in the first quarter of 2016.