Americas News
Crowley Reach Engine "Milestone" for LNG-Powered Newbuild
Crowley Maritime Corporation (Crowley) Tuesday announced that the first of its two newbuild Commitment Class ConRo vessels, El Coquí, has received the installation of its MAN Diesel & Turbo 8S70ME-C8.2-GI liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered engine.
"This state-of-the-art engine technology will add efficiency while continuing to reduce impacts on the environment, one of Crowley's top priorities," said John Hourihan, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley's Puerto Rico services.
Crowley notes that LNG propulsion will enable 100 percent reduction in sulfur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM), a 92 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx), as well as a significant reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in comparison to conventional-powered marine engines.
"Utilising this green technology is just another way we are demonstrating our commitment to the people of Puerto Rico, our customers and the environment," added Hourihan.
Upon completion of its construction at VT Halter Marine in Mississippi, Crowley says El Coquí will be set on a trade route between Jacksonville and Puerto Rico.
The vessel is said to have a cargo capacity of about 2,400 TEU, as well as additional room for close to 400 vehicles in an enclosed Ro/Ro garage.
Ship & Bunker first reported on the newbuild in 2013, when Crowley announced that it had ordered two of the world's first LNG-powered ConRo ships, to be named El Coquí and Taíno, intended to replace Crowley's towed triple-deck barge fleet.
