TOTE Maritime now has two liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled container ships — Isla Bella and Perla del Caribe — on the water. They are said by TOTE and shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO to be the world’s first. As part of a two-ship contract signed by General Dynamics NASSCO and TOTE in December 2012, the 764-foot long Marlin Class container ships are the largest dry cargo ships powered by LNG, making them the cleanest cargo-carrying ships anywhere in the world, according to the General Dynamics subsidiary. The Jones Act-qualified ships will operate between Jacksonville, FL, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Perla del Caribe and Isla Bella, were purpose-built for the Puerto Rican trade for TOTE Shipholdings and will be operated by TOTE subsidiary Sea Star Line out of Jacksonville. By moving to natural gas, the Marlins will reduce NOx emissions by 98%, SOx by 97%, carbon dioxide by 72% and particulate matter by 60% over the Ponce Class ships currently serving in service on the route, TOTE said.