The main engine is set in the El Coquí. Crowley Maritime photo.The first of two new Commitment-class ro/ro container ships being built for Crowley Maritime Corp. got its main engine set in March. The 740’x105’59’ El Coqui will be powered by liquefied natural gas on its route between Jacksonville, Fla., and Puerto Rico.
The 759-MT MAN dual-fuel capable engine, measuring 41’x41’x14.7’, was placed in a series of heavy lifts using 500-ton cranes at the VT Halter Marine shipyard, Pascagoula, Miss., where the El Coquí and sistership Taíno are under construction. They are due for delivery in the second and fourth quarters of 2017.
“The ship is basically built around the engine, because the engine is so large,” said Patrick Sperry, manager of construction services for Crowley subsidiary Jensen Maritime.
At 26,500 dwt, the ships will each carry containers up to 53’x102" with overall cargo capacity of 2,400 TEUs (20’ equivalent units), 300 reefer plugins, and nearly 400 vehicles in an enclosed ro/ro garage. Speed will be up to 22 knots, and with LNG, the ships will produce 38% less emissions, according to Crowley.
This state-of-the-art engine technology will add efficiency while continuing to reduce the impact on the environment, "one of Crowley’s top priorities,” John Hourihan, senior vice president and general manager of Puerto Rico services for Crowley, said in announcing the progress.
Crowley is a major player in adopting LNG as a maritime fuel, both for its vessels and as a supplier for other operators, having formed its own LNG services group in 2015.
“Customers will not only be able to experience the same reliable and dedicated service they have with Crowley today, but also will have the added benefit of lower emissions once these two ships join the Crowley fleet,” said Jose “Pache” Ayala, Crowley vice president for Puerto Rico. “Crowley is making a significant investment in the Puerto Rico trade to provide faster transit times while continuing with the ability to carry and deliver the containers, rolling cargo and refrigerated equipment our customers count on.”
