October 24 - Crowley Maritime Corporation said it is progressing with the construction of two con-ro ships, which will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The two ships are under construction at VT Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The bow of El Coquí was recently set as the yard finished construction of the full length of the ship, aligned the main engine, and completed other work required to prepare the vessel for launch in early 2017.
The LNG tanks also have also been installed and build-out of the engine room and main engine are underway on sister ship, Taíno.
The vessels will operate between the USA and Puerto Rico. Additionally, Crowley is building a new pier and making terminal improvements at its Isla Grande port facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Concrete has been poured for the entire approach platform, and construction of the initial sections of the main pier is progressing. At the same time, construction of the new exit gate, electrical substation, and other improvements are proceeding on schedule.
Crowley says that it is investing some USD500 million in the vessels and port enhancements. Crowley added that this investment was made possible by the Jones Act, which requires all goods transported by water between US ports to be carried on US-flagged ships constructed in the USA.
"Despite some politicians seizing on Puerto Rico's recent economic hardships to try to exempt the island from the Jones Act, Crowley's USD500 million private investment demonstrating the act's benefit not just on the mainland, but to the people of Puerto Rico, directly providing jobs and new infrastructure to promote trade," said John Hourihan Jr., senior vice president and general manager, Puerto Rico liner services, Crowley Maritime Corporation.
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| credit: Brian Moran |
