Pasha Group subsidiary Pasha Hawaii, together with Texas-based manufacturer Keppel AmFELS, on July 28 announced delivery of the m/v George III, which Pasha has said is the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered vessel to fuel on the West Coast and the first to serve Hawaii.
The 774-foot LNG-fueled containership is the first of two new “’Ohana Class” vessels to join Pasha Hawaii’s fleet, serving the Hawaii-Mainland trade lane, according to the company.
“Operating fully on natural gas from day one, the new Jones Act vessel surpasses the International Maritime Organization 2030 emission standards for ocean vessels, representing the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly vessel to serve Hawaii,” Pasha said in a statement.
Energy efficiencies are also achieved, the company said, with a state-of-the-art engine, an optimized hull form and an underwater propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and propeller.
The ‘Ohana Class vessels are named in honor of George Pasha, III and Janet Marie, the late parents of The Pasha Group President and CEO George Pasha, IV. ‘Ohana is the Hawaiian word for family.
“Today marks a moment in time that will be remembered by many of us, including my family and our incredible team members at Pasha Hawaii who worked tirelessly to bring m/v George III to life,” George Pasha IV said. “As we welcome the new m/v George III to the Pasha Hawaii fleet, we stand incredibly proud of the perseverance and commitment of our partners at Keppel AmFELS, and the skilled men and women at the shipyard on this tremendous accomplishment. We look forward to beginning service to Hawaii in August and taking delivery of the Janet Marie (containership) later this year.”
“We are pleased to deliver Pasha Hawaii’s first LNG-powered containership,” Keppel AmFELS President David Wedgeworth said in a statement. “By working closely with Pasha Hawaii, we were able to resolve operational challenges posed by COVID-19 and deliver the vessel to their satisfaction.”
“Built to Keppel O&M’s proprietary design,” he added, “The m/v George III exemplifies our engineering and design expertise as well as our in-depth experience in LNG.”