WesPac Midstream and its affiliate Clean Marine Energy entered into a construction contract with Conrad Orange Shipyard, a division of Conrad Shipyard, to build the first dedicated LNG bunker barge for the marine market in North America.

The 2,200cbm barge is expected for delivery in early 2016 and planned to initially be deployed in Tacoma, Washington, to service shipowner Totem Ocean Trailer Express's (Totem Ocean) "Orca class" RO/RO vessels, in addition to other LNG-powered vessels.

Subsequently, the barge will be relocated to Jacksonville, Florida to serve TOTE's (parent company to Totem Ocean) newbuild "Marlin class" container vessels and other LNG-powered vessels in the Port of Jacksonville.

Bristol Harbor Group will be responsible for the vessel's design, with the American Bureau for Shipping (ABS) acting as the classification society.