With DOT support, American shipyard launches world’s first LNG-powered container ship
On Saturday, General Dynamics NASSCO launched the world's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered containership at a ceremony at the company's shipyard in San Diego. The christening and launch ceremony also commemorated NASSCO's 100 th ship launch.
U.S. Representative Duncan D. Hunter was the principal speaker. The ship's sponsor, Mrs. Sophie Sacco—wife of Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union of North America, AFL-CIO—christened the ship with a traditional champagne bottle break over the ship's hull. General Paul J. Selva, Commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, also spoke at the ceremony.
The ship's name, Isla Bella, was unveiled during the ceremony. The ship was built for TOTE, a leading transportation and logistics company.
"The launch of the Isla Bella signals a very significant milestone for the thousands of men and women at NASSCO. Not only does it commemorate NASSCO's 100th ship launch, it validates NASSCO's capability to break new groun