Crowley’s LNG ConRo ships under construction

Construction has started on the first two liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered, combination container – roll- on/roll-off (ConRo) ‘Commitment Class’ ships for Crowley’s Puerto Rico/Caribbean liner services.

The 219.5 m long, 32.3 m beam and 10 m draught vessels have been designed to maximise the carriage of containers, having a cargo capacity of approximately 2,400 teu, with additional space for nearly 400 vehicles in an enclosed ro/ro deck.  The main propulsion and auxiliary engines will be fuelled by LNG.

To be named El Coquiì (ko-kee) and Taiìno (tahy-noh), they will replace Crowley’s towed triple-deck barge fleet; delivery is scheduled for Q2 and Q4 2017 respectively.  Powered by LNG, the vessels will set a new standard, netting a 100% reduction in sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM), along with a 92% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx), according to the company.