Crowley reaches milestone with setting of LNG engine in newbuilding

“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, Puerto Rico services.

The engine was placed using a series of heavy lifts by 500-tonne cranes in the shipyard of VT Halter Marine, a subsidiary of VT Systems, Inc., where El Coquí and sister ship, Taíno , are under construction. The engine has a total weight of 759 metric tonnes and measures 41 feet high, 41 feet in length, and 14.7 feet wide.

“Customers will not only be able to experience the same reliable and dedicated service they have with Crowley today, but also will have the added benefit of lower emissions once these two ships join the Crowley fleet,” said Jose “Pache” Ayala, Crowley vice president, Puerto Rico.

The company formed an LNG services group in 2015 to bring together the company’s extensive resources to provide LNG vessel design and construction management; transportation; product sales and distribution, and full-scale, project management solutions.

These Commitment Class, Jones Act ships are designed to travel at speeds up to 22 knots while maximizing the carriage of 53-foot, 102-inch-wide containers. Cargo capacity will be approximately 2,400 teu, with additional space for nearly 400 vehicles in an enclosed ro-ro garage.