First natural gas ship coming to JAXPORT

Will enter service this in Fall 2015 between Jacksonville and Puerto Rico

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The worlds first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered containership will soon call Jacksonville, Florida home. TOTE Inc.'s Isla Bella will enter service in the fall of 2015 between Jacksonville, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico. JAXPORT is the No. 1 port for trade with Puerto Rico.

Creators say LNG is cleaner and more cost efficient than ship fuels currently in use. JAXPORT CEO Brian Taylor says Jacksonville has a lot to gain by using LNG as a fuel and commodity.

"Ports and regions that embrace the LNG opportunities before us stand to gain the most in terms of jobs, economic growth and business connectivity with communities around the world," Taylor says. "The launching of this ship solidifies Northeast Florida's place as a pioneer in the commercial benefits of LNG, thanks to groundbreaking decisions by our long-time port customers and the innovative spirit of the business and political leadership in our region."

A second vessel will be launched later this year and will enter service from JAXPORT in the first quarter of 2016.

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