Crowley Takes Delivery of Largest U.S. Jones Act Compliant LNG Bunker Barge

Crowley - the maritime solutions company - has taken delivery of the LNG bunker barge Progress, the largest Jones Act compliant vessel of its kind. 

The vessel was constructed at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and was designed by Crowley’s engineering services group. The 416-foot-long barge has a capacity of 12,000m³ (3.17 million gallons) and features a ‘transformative design’ that will enable efficient and dependable supply of LNG to fuel ships.

Crowley has signed a long-term agreement with Shell NA LNG, LLC to operate the barge, and will be using it to provide another fuelling location for ships using liquefied natural gas. At present, LNG is the lowest carbon fuel currently available to shipping at scale, emitting up to 32% less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (well-to-wake) compared to very/ultra low sulphur fuel oil. 

Commenting on the new vessel, James C. Fowler, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley, said: 

“The Progress LNG bunker barge sets a new standard for quality and capability to serve the energy needs of the shipping industry. LNG offers a safe and reliable solution for ocean carriers that advances the transition to lower emissions. We congratulate the people whose dedication and hard work in designing and building this world-class vessel allowed us to reach this milestone for the U.S. industry and our customers”.

Crowley has received the vessel at a time when it is making further in-roads into the U.S. Jones Act market. The company, in collaboration with SEACOR Holdings, recently formed Fairwater Holdings, a new Jones Act compliant shipping company with a fleet of 31 owned vessels.

Maritime consultancy services in the U.S. 

If you require maritime consulting services, speak to 3D Marine today. 

Offering full service maritime consulting, 3D Marine is experienced in all aspects of maritime transportation. Services offered include; marine consulting and surveying, marine engineering, naval architecture, advice on pollution control, personal injury expert witness support, and superyacht services. 

Discover more about 3D Marine now

For more maritime industry insights, news and information, read the Brookes Bell News and Knowledge Hub…

The Jones Act and Offshore Wind: The Challenges & Opportunities | Crowley Invests in Floating Dry Dock Developer | First All-Electric Ship Assist Tugboat in the U.S. Christened