Crowley, a U.S.-owned shipping and logistics company headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., alongside Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón, celebrated the successful operation of the 900', 130,400 cu. meter American Energy, during an event Wednesday, June 18 at Crowley’s LNG Loading Terminal in Peñuelas. American Energy is the first U.S.-flagged liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier to deliver U.S.-sourced LNG to Puerto Rico.
American Energy was previously the Liberian-registered Intan (formerly the Puteri Intan, built in 1994). Crowley purchased the 31-year-old steam turbine vessel, refurbished it, and reflagged it to work under a 1996 provision of the Jones Act. The provision reads: “May issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for a vessel to transport LNG or liquified petroleum gas to Puerto Rico from other ports in the U.S., if the vessel is a foreign-built vessel built before Oct. 19, 1996.”
The LNG carrier builds on Crowley’s 70-plus years of commitment to Puerto Rico, where Crowley also operates the full-service Isla Grande cargo terminal in San Juan, supporting its container and roll-on/roll-off vessels, including two LNG-fueled ships and logistics services. Crowley annually delivers more than 94 million gals. of LNG through its LNG loading terminal in Peñuelas as well as provides ocean delivery and land transportation using ISO tank containers to meet the island’s energy needs. Additionally, as part of Crowley’s broader energy initiatives, the company is advancing LNG microgrids that bolster energy resilience for businesses and communities, offer lower emissions and drive long-term growth.
The vessel began service in March 2025. At full capacity, American Energy is capable of transporting up to 34.4 million gals. of LNG per voyage. Operating under a multi-year agreement with Naturgy, American Energy provides regular service between the U.S. Gulf Coast and EcoEléctrica’s LNG facility in Peñuelas, ensuring a reliable, efficient energy supply of cleaner-burning LNG to support the island’s growing power demands.
“American Energy demonstrates the power of partnership,” Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO of Crowley Corp., said during the LNG carrier’s dedication. “Together, we are building upon a shared commitment to dependable, sustainable energy solutions for Puerto Rico. We are not only enhancing the resilience of the island’s power infrastructure but also supporting its economic growth and ensuring long-term energy security for the communities and businesses that rely on it every day.”
"The entry into service of the American Energy marks a significant step in our efforts to increase energy supply sources, marking the first time that an American-flagged tanker will transport liquefied natural gas from the mainland to Puerto Rico. This represents a major step forward in fuel supply reliability to stabilize our electric grid, which will greatly benefit our population," said Gov. González-Colón, who congratulated the crew of the American Energy, especially the Puerto Rican mariners working aboard the vessel. "Just in time for the start of the peak energy consumption season, this natural gas supply route from U.S. sources expands our options for stabilizing our electric grid, as we work to provide our residents and businesses with a more reliable and consistent source of power generation."
At the event, Crowley crewmembers and leaders were joined by Josean González Febres, Mayor of Peñuelas; Josue Colon, Puerto Rico Energy Czar and executive director of the Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnership Authority; Mary Carmen Zapata, executive director, Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority; Norberto Negrón, executive director, Puerto Rico Ports Authority; and Carlos Ríos, deputy secretary, Puerto Rico Economic Development & Commerce Department.
