VIDEO: Crowley sets engine on LNG fueled ConRO

MARCH 29, 2016 — Crowley Maritime Corporation has marked another critical milestone in construction of its two LNG fueled ConRO ships with the setting of the MAN Diesel & Turbo 8S70ME-C8.2-GI main engine onto El Coquí, the first of the new Commitment Class vessels under construction at shipbuilder VT Halter Marine.

“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. “Utilizing this green technology is just another way we are demonstrating our commitment to the people of Puerto Rico, our customers and the environment. It also bears mentioning that neither of these ships, which have been design specifically for the Puerto Rico trade, gets built without the Jones Act – a federal statute that provides for the promotion and maintenance of a strong American merchant marine.”

The engine has a total weight of 759 metric tons and measures 41 feet high, 41 feet in length, and 14.7 feet wide and was placed by the shipyard using a series of heavy lifts by 500-ton cranes.

“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. “Crowley is making a significant investment in the Puerto Rico trade to provide faster transit times while continuing with the ability to carry and deliver the containers, rolling cargo and refrigerated equipment our customers count on.”

Designing, building and operating LNG-fueled vessels is in line with Crowley’s overall EcoStewardship positioning and growth strategy. 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.

The Commitment Class ConRo (combination container and Roll/On-Roll/Off) 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.