Pasha taps Keppel for new LNG-powered containerships

The Honolulu-based ocean carrier placed an order for two dual-fuel capable 2,525-TEU vessels with the Keppel AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, with delivery expected in the first and third quarter of 2020.    Pasha Hawaii has placed an order with the Keppel AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, for two new 2,525-TEU containerships, with an option to order two additional vessels, the company said in a statement.
   The Honolulu-based ocean carrier announced plans to build the new ships in November 2016, but had not yet determined which of two shipyards would receive the order. Pasha said the contract has yet to been finalized and did not disclose a price for the ships.
   The two ships will be will be dual-fuel capable, but Pasha has said it intends to fuel them with liquefied natural gas (LNG). They will have a fully laden capacity for 500 45-foot containers, 400 refrigerated containers, and 300 40-foot dry containers, with a sailing speed of 23.0 knots.
   “The new vessels will operate fully on LNG from day one in service, dramatically reducing environmental impact and increasing fuel efficiency,” the carrier said. “Energy savings will also be achieved with a state-of-the-art engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and propeller.”
   Delivery of the two ships is expected in the first and third quarter of 2020, respectively.
   Pasha Group, which also operates marine terminals and processes automobiles, entered the U.S. West Coast-Hawaii trade in 2005 with the newly-built roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ship Jean Anne.
   In 2015, Pasha Hawaii greatly expanded its involvement in Hawaii trade, taking delivery of a new container/ro-ro (ConRo) ship, the Marjorie C, and acquiring four older ships, the Enterprise, Reliance and Spirit – built in 1980 – and the Pacific – built in 1979 – from Horizon Line.
   The Brownsville shipyard is a subsidiary of Singapore’s Keppel Offshore & Marine.
   “Keppel O&M’s technical expertise in LNG propulsion and commitment to customer service were two very important factors in our selection decision,” George Pasha, IV, president and chief executive officer of Pasha Group said of the order. “From the start, they went above and beyond and worked closely with us in customizing a vessel design that matched our requirements. Their experience in LNG vessel conversions will also prove to be very valuable as we build LNG dual-fueled vessels for the Hawaii trade.”