Crowley marks one year of Puerto Rico LNG deliveries

Crowley, Jacksonville, Fla., marked the first year of operations of American Energy, the first U.S.-flagged liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier dedicated to serving Puerto Rico, noting the 900’x144’ vessel’s delivery of more that 549 million gals. since March 2025.

“I want to congratulate Crowley on achieving this milestone, marking the first anniversary of LNG deliveries to Puerto Rico by the vessel American Energy, a U.S.-flagged service dedicated to supplying our power needs,” Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón said in an April 16 joint statement with the company.

 “Crowley’s efforts help to strengthen our energy sector’s resiliency and to support jobs and investment in a partnership to ensure safe, affordable electricity for our people. We will always support such initiatives that advance Puerto Rico’s energy security and economic growth.”

Those deliveries are “providing enough energy to power about 1.2 million homes on the island for a year. The delivered volume also represents a reduction of carbon emissions by nearly 30% compared to diesel,” according to Crowley. 

“Reaching one year of uninterrupted service with American Energy represents more than a performance milestone; it represents dependable access to energy for Puerto Rico,” said Jackie Gonsalez, vice president of advanced energy for Crowley. “Over the past year, this vessel has helped provide the consistent, secure transportation of LNG that families, business and communities rely on every day. That reliability supports economic activity, essential services and greater energy confidence across the island.” 

The American Energy operates under a  multi-year agreement with Spanish energy multinational Naturgy for regular deliveries to Naturgy’s operating facility in Penuelas, Puerto Rico.  

Built in 1994 with a capacity of 130,400 cubic meters (34.4 million gallons), the American Energy was officially reflagged March 18 from its former Liberian registry and operates w in accordance with the U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996.

“The vessel has employed 90 U.S. mariners, including 16 cadets and apprentices, with nearly 20% from Puerto Rico, helping to expand maritime career pathways and support the island’s skilled workforce,” according to Crowley.

The company also supplies approximately 94 million gallons of LNG annually to industries across Puerto Rico from its LNG Loading Terminal in Peñuelas and provides transportation through ISO tank containers.