Crowley awards EPS contract for LNG-fuelled containerships

Crowley arranges contract with EPS for the deployment of LNG-fuelled ships, signifying commitment towards clean energy transition in shipping & logistics

Crowley, the US shipping and logistics company, has announced that it has awarded the Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) a contract for the charter of four newbuild containerships powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) for its US-Central America trade.

Commitment to the gas industry’s clean energy transition

Crowley said that using the latest generation 1,400-TEU quartet is a reflection of both organisation’s commitment to the industry’s clean energy transition. By using LNG, the vessels will have significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, such as sulphur oxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide, while eliminating particulate matter compared to conventional diesel fuel.

In addition, the vessels will be fitted with high-pressure ME-GI engines from MAN Energy Solutions, thus reducing methane slippage to negligible levels and making these vessels the most environmentally efficient in their category.

Industry use of liquified natural gas

"We are excited to develop our US market footprint through these long-term time charters with such a reputable partner," said EPS CEO Cyril Ducau. "Like EPS, Crowley enjoys a rich history and diverse business portfolios, but more importantly, their organisation is driven by a vision to lead the industry's decarbonisation efforts. Once delivered, these vessels will be IMO 2030 compliant five years ahead of schedule and will play an important role as the world and industry transition to cleaner energy sources."

Each vessel, which will have capacity for 1,400 TEUs (20-foot container equivalent units), will feature 300 refrigerated unit plugs to reliably transport perishable cargo. Operating under a long-term time charter to Crowley, the ships will expand Crowley's fleet and supply chain capabilities connecting US markets to Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.

"These four ships will play a significant part in driving Crowley's strategic growth in our supply chain services for the US, Central America and Caribbean. In addition, the vessel's use of LNG and emissions technology will advance the company's commitment to innovation and decarbonisation in the shipping industry as part of our sustainability strategy," said Tom Crowley, company chairman and CEO. 

"As more companies diversify their supply chains using nearshoring and the resources of Central America, Crowley will enhance our end-to-end logistics services to be partners in their growth."

The vessels will be built by Korea's Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and are slated for delivery in 2025.

Share

Featured Articles

5 minutes with Stuart Broadley, Energy Industries Council

EIC CEO Stuart Broadley reveals the challenges that lie ahead for oil and gas firms now net zero is becoming an increasingly important goal for businesses

SAP: Is 'complex' wind energy supply chain slowing adoption?

SAP digital supply chain and manufacturing expert Darcy MacClaren warns complex logistics and complicated regulations are limiting wind energy adoption

Decentralised energy key to circumventing grid delays

Aggreko is advising the sector to consider short to mid-term decentralised energy solutions as an effective means of maintaining business continuity.

Renewable energy to become top source of electricity by 2025

Renewable Energy

Nuclear energy — the unsung hero of the climate challenge

Renewable Energy

UK and US announce energy partnership

Oil & Gas