Clean Everglades and Newest Bilobe Design Bunkering Barge. Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.

The LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Bunkering Barge built by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, marks a significant milestone in the maritime industry's transition towards cleaner and more sustainable fuel sources.
The concept of the LNG bunkering barge revolves around providing a floating refueling station that supplies LNG to ships, particularly those equipped with LNG propulsion systems. LNG has emerged as a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels, as it produces significantly lower emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, renowned for its expertise in ship construction, engineering, and innovation, undertook the ambitious project to meet the increasing demand for LNG bunkering infrastructure. The construction of the LNG bunkering barge involved a series of meticulous steps:
1. Design and Engineering: Skilled naval architects and engineers at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding worked on the design of the barge, ensuring it complies with safety regulations and efficiently delivers LNG to various types of vessels.
2. Construction: The construction process involved fabricating the barge's hull, cargo containment systems, and other vital components at the shipyard in Sturgeon Bay. Attention to detail, precision, and stringent quality control measures were implemented to meet industry standards.
3. LNG Storage and Handling: The barge incorporates advanced technology for storing LNG in cryogenic tanks and specialized systems for handling, vaporizing, and delivering the liquefied gas to receiving ships.
4. Safety Considerations: Safety is of utmost importance in LNG bunkering operations due to the cryogenic nature of the fuel. The barge's design includes safety features such as emergency shutdown systems, gas detection systems, and fire protection measures.
5. Certification and Compliance: The completed barge underwent rigorous testing and received necessary certifications from regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with international safety and environmental standards.
Once operational, the LNG bunkering barge serves as a mobile refueling station, enabling LNG-powered ships to receive fuel while at port or at sea, promoting the adoption of cleaner propulsion technology and reducing the carbon footprint of maritime transportation.
By investing in LNG bunkering infrastructure, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding plays a vital role in supporting the maritime industry's transition to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. The LNG Bunkering Barge stands as a testament to the shipyard's commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and meeting the evolving needs of the global shipping industry.