Crowley begins transporting US-sourced LNG to Puerto Rico

Crowley has raised the US flag on American Energy, commencing operations of the first domestic LNG carrier to transport US-sourced natural gas to Puerto Rico.

The move will provide Puerto Rico with increased access to the supply of US-produced 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 the US mainland-sourced LNG to Naturgy’s operating facility in Penuelas, Puerto Rico.

The Crowley-owned LNG carrier American Energy, which has a capacity of 130,400 cubic metres (34.4 million gallons) per voyage, will operate in accordance with the US Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996. The vessel has a CAP 1 rating, certifying its top rating for safety and vessel condition, and its compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Crowley said that at capacity, each delivery of LNG aboard American Energy provides enough energy to power 80,000 homes for a year.

American Energy will be crewed by US mariners and provide regular service from the US Gulf Coast to Puerto Rico.