The Isla-Bella: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As Hurricane Matthew forms in the Caribbean, TOTE Maritime has announced its intention to maintain regular cargo service despite the approaching storm. TOTE, which owns the ill-fated El Faro that tragically sank in Hurricane Joaquin last year, leading to the loss of 33 crew members, is not halting its operations on the vital Jacksonville to Puerto Rico route. On Tuesday, one of TOTE's vessels is scheduled to depart Jacksonville for Puerto Rico while another will travel from San Juan back to Jacksonville. The Isla Bella, a state-of-the-art vessel powered by natural gas and designed to replace the El Faro, is already making a mark as one of the best in the industry. Tim Deagan, a meteorologist from First Coast News, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that water levels along the shipping route could rise to 40 feet. 'This hurricane is more intense and larger than Joaquin,' Deagan remarked, highlighting the challenges ahead for maritime operations.

On January 12, 2016, TOTE Inc. announced a groundbreaking achievement in the maritime industry as TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico successfully completed the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation at the Port of Jacksonville, Florida. The operation saw the ISLA BELLA, noted as the world’s inaugural LNG-powered containership, receive approximately 100,000 gallons of LNG. This significant volume was delivered using 12 TOTE-owned LNG ISO containers. The bunkering process was conducted under strict supervision by the U.S. Coast Guard, taking place concurrently with Isla Bella's cargo handling operations. Tim Nolan, President of TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, expressed satisfaction with the operation, highlighting the environmental advantages LNG offers, both for Jacksonville and Puerto Rico. "We are very pleased with the results of this initial LNG bunker event and know that the use of LNG in our Marlin Class vessels will provide unprecedented environmental benefits," stated Nolan. He further emphasized the expertise developed by their sister company, TOTE Services, Inc., in safely and efficiently utilizing LNG as a maritime fuel. The LNG used for the bunkering was sourced from AGL Resources' LNG production facility located in Macon, Georgia, through a partnership with JAX LNG, LLC. Additionally, in September, a training program was conducted to enhance LNG bunkering awareness among 150 stakeholders from the Port of Jacksonville area, demonstrating TOTE and industry commitment to safe operations. In November, Clean Energy Fuels Corp also acknowledged their historical contribution by providing LNG bunkering services to the ISLA BELLA. This landmark event underscores a new era for cleaner maritime fuel solutions in the region.

In an exciting development for maritime transportation, the MV Isla Bella, a new LNG-powered vessel by TOTE Maritime, has officially arrived at its new homeport in Jacksonville, Florida. This highly anticipated arrival took place on Tuesday after a two-week voyage from San Diego, where the ship was expertly constructed. The Isla Bella marks a significant advancement in eco-friendly maritime technology, succeeding the El Faro. This newbuild promises to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the shipping industry, making Jacksonville its proud new base of operations.