Crowley has raised the U.S. flag on American Energy, commencing operations of the first domestic liquified natural gas (LNG) carrier to transport U.S.-sourced natural gas to Puerto Rico, according to the company’s statement.
Crowley and Naturgy have entered into a multi-year agreement that provides for the regular delivery of the U.S. mainland-sourced LNG to Naturgy’s operating facility in Penuelas, Puerto Rico.
The Crowley-owned carrier American Energy, which has capacity of 130,400 cubic meters (34.4 million gallons) per voyage, will operate in accordance with the U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996.
Crowley claims that the 900-foot-long (274 meters) LNG carrier builds on the company’s 70-plus years commitment to Puerto Rico.
The company also operates the full-service marine Isla Grande cargo terminal in San Juan for its container and roll-on/roll-off vessels, including two LNG-fueled ships, and logistics services.
Crowley annually delivers more than 94 million gallons of LNG through its LNG loading terminal in Penuelas, whilst it provides ocean delivery and land transportation using ISO tank containers.
“At capacity, each delivery of LNG aboard American Energy provides enough energy to power 80,000 homes for a year,” Crowley said.
American Energy will be crewed by U.S. mariners and provide regular service from the U.S. Gulf Coast to Puerto Rico.
