Puget Sound Energy (PSE), Washington state’s oldest local energy company, and Totem Ocean Trailer Express (Totem Ocean) have signed a contract for PSE to provide liquefied natural gas (LNG) to fuel Totem Ocean’s two Tacoma, Washington-based Orca-class cargo ships. PSE will provide Totem Ocean with fuel for their ships that are being converted from diesel to cleaner-burning LNG. Using LNG will allow Totem Ocean to exceed new, stricter emission standards in the maritime shipping industry.
PSE is working to develop a new, state-of-the-art LNG production and storage facility at the Port of Tacoma to ensure continued dependable natural gas service for the company’s 760,000 residential and commercial natural gas customers by providing additional gas supply during times of peak demand. The facility will also meet the LNG supply needs of Totem Ocean and other potential transportation customers. A property lease with the Port of Tacoma was approved in August 2014 and environmental review of the proposed facility has begun. Construction is expected to take about three years once all agreements are finalized and permits have been obtained.
“In order to reduce our environmental impact, Totem Ocean is converting its ships to operate on LNG and we are excited to be partnering with PSE.” said John Parrott, Totem Ocean President. “PSE’s new facility will provide vital new infrastructure making the use of LNG as a transportation fuel a reality in the Pacific Northwest.”
In 2012, Totem Ocean announced plans to upgrade its two existing cargo vessels to run on LNG. This innovative and environmentally friendly investment will help Totem Ocean lower their emissions to exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new air emissions standards and improve air quality for the people and communities they serve.
(Source: Totem Ocean)
