Americas News
Construction Begins on Crowley's New LNG-Powered ConRo Ships
Construction of Crowley Maritime Corporation's new liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered combination container for use in Puerto Rico has begun, the company announced.
The Roll-On/Roll-Off (ConRo) ship is being built by Mississippi-based VT Halter Marine, Inc. for Crowley's liner services group, and is one of two currently scheduled to be built.
"We have waited with great anticipation for the Commitment Class build program to start," said John Hourihan, Crowley's senior vice president and general manager for Puerto Rico/Caribbean liner services.
"These new ships will embody superior technology and construction and we are anxious to get them into service for our partners in Puerto Rico."
Crowley signed the contract for the El Coquí and Taíno ships to be built by VT in 2013.
The ships will have a capacity of 2,400 TEUs, with additional capacity for 400 vehicles in an enclosed Ro/Ro garage.
When completed, they will replace Crowley's towed triple-deck barge fleet, which have been operational since the 1970s.
"VT Halter Marine is pleased and excited to announce the first steel plate cut which launches the official start of construction for these new LNG ConRo ships," said Bill Skinner, CEO of VT.
"These vessels signify how important the Jones Act is to Americans employed in the marine industry."
The U.S.Jones Act prevents any foreign-built or foreign-flagged vessel from engaging in coastwise trade within the country.
El Coquí and Taíno are scheduled for delivery in the second and fourth quarter of 2017, respectively.
Crowley announced it was entering the LNG business last year after acquiring Carib Energy LLC.
