Crowley Launches Newest LNG-Fueled ConRo Ship Taíno

VT Halter Marine has launched Crowley Maritime’s second Commitment Class ship, Taíno, one of the world’s first combination container/roll on-roll off (ConRo) ships powered by LNG.

The launch of the ship took place in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and marks the latest achievement in Crowley’s transformation and modernization of its shipping and logistics services between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Taíno will now proceed through the final topside construction and testing phase before beginning service in the U.S. Jones Act trade in 2018. She will join sister ship, El Coquí, which was launched earlier this year and is now in final testing prior to entering service in early 2018.

“Monday’s launch represents another momentous achievement for the men and women at Crowley, VT Halter Marine and other partners,” said Tom Crowley, company chairman and CEO. “We appreciate their hard work, and look forward to putting these modern, environmentally-friendly ships into service for our customers and the people of Puerto Rico.”

Fueling the ships with LNG will reduce emissions significantly, including a 100-percent reduction in sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM); a 92-percent reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx); and a reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) of more than 35 percent per container, compared with current fossil fuels.

In Jacksonville, Crowley and Eagle LNG Partners also are completing final testing of the tanks and systems associated with the LNG Fuel Depot at JAXPORT’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal, which will serve as the fueling station for the new ships. The depot features two 260-ton, cryogenic LNG tanks, constructed by Chart Industries in Europe.