Crowley takes delivery of third LNG ready tanker

Louisiana joins sister ships Ohio and Texas, which joined the Crowley fleet in 2015 as the first-ever tankers to receive ABS LNG-Ready Level 1 approval

APRIL 15, 2016 — Crowley Maritime Corp.today took deliveryof Louisiana, the third of four new, 330,000 barrel Jones Act product tankers being built for the company by Philly Shipyard, Inc.

The 50,000 dwt Louisiana is scheduled to be christened in New Orleans on May 5. Crowley’s fourth product tanker in the series is set for delivery from the shipbuilder third quarter 2016.

Louisiana joins sister ships Ohio and Texas, which joined the Crowley fleet in 2015, as the first-ever tankers to receive ABS LNG-Ready Level 1 approval, allowing Crowley to convert them to liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled propulsion in the future.

“The Louisiana’s delivery continues to enhance the services we are able to provide to our petroleum customers,” said Crowley’s Rob Grune, senior vice president and general manager, petroleum services. “We celebrate new tonnage and the advanced technology, but most important to us and to our customers are the highly trained men and women of Crowley who are committed to transporting their fuel in the safest, most reliable way possible.”

“Milestones like today show we can deliver solutions that reinforce the value of the Jones Act vessels and American-built and American-crewed trade,” he added.

The new 50,000-dwt product tankers are based on a proven Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) design that incorporates numerous fuel efficiency features, flexible cargo capability and the latest regulatory requirements. The vessel is 600 feet long and is capable of carrying crude oil or refined petroleum products, as well as various chemical cargoes.

“We are proud to deliver another Philly-born tanker, the shipyard’s fifth tanker for Crowley and 23rd vessel in total,” said Philly Shipyard’s President and CEO Steinar Nerbovik. “On behalf of the men and women who built her, we are honored knowing that the Louisiana will be another safe and quality addition to Crowley’s fleet that will serve its mariners and our nation’s waterways for decades to follow.”

Crowley’s marine solutions group is providing construction management services for the product tankers. The company has an on-site office and personnel at the Philadelphia shipyard to ensure strong working relationships with shipyard staff and a seamless construction and delivery program. Crowley also routinely provides shipyard construction management services for third-party clients as well.