According to a statement by Crowley, the milestone will provide Puerto Rico with increased access to the supply of US mainland-sourced LNG, helping address the island’s ongoing power demands.
Crowley and Naturgy have entered into a multi-year agreement that provides for the regular delivery of US LNG to Naturgy’s operating facility in Penuelas, Puerto Rico.
The Crowley-owned carrier American Energy, which has a capacity of 130,400 cubic meters (34.4 million gallons) per voyage, will operate in accordance with the US Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996.
Crowley said the vessel has a CAP 1 rating, certifying its top rating for safety and vessel condition, and its compliance with all regulatory requirements.
VesselsValue data shows that Crowley bought this steam LNG vessel from Stena’s Northern Marine Management in January this year.
Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in 1994, the vessel, previously known as Puteri Intan, and then renamed to just Intan, was previously part of MISC’s fleet.
Crowley said the 900-foot-long (274 meters) LNG carrier builds on its 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.
The company annually delivers more than 94 million gallons of LNG through its LNG loading terminal in Penuelas as well as 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, according to Crowley.
American Energy will be crewed by US mariners and provide regular service from the US Gulf Coast to Puerto Rico.
“We are proud and privileged to expand US LNG availability in Puerto Rico in partnership with Naturgy,” said Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO of Crowley.
“LNG is an ample, reliable energy source available in the US that provides a more resilient and lower-emission option as part of our nation’s energy portfolio for quickly serving the growing power needs of Puerto Rico while supporting American jobs, American energy production, and US national security,” he said.
