Crowley has accepted delivery of the LNG bunker barge Progress, said to be the largest US Jones Act-compliant vessel of its kind, after construction was completed at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
Largest US-flagged LNG bunker design
Designed by Crowley’s engineering services group, the 416ft barge has a capacity of 12,000m3 (3.17 million gallons). According to the company, its transformative design enables an efficient and dependable supply of LNG to fuel ships. Progress’s technologies include its capability, developed by Shell and Crowley’s engineering services group, to flexibly deliver LNG to various types of LNG containment systems.
“Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding continues to be an industry leader in building LNG bunkering barges. We take tremendous pride in seeing another FBS-built vessel leave Sturgeon Bay to its new operational home port. I am proud of the work of our entire Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding team,” said Jan Allman, vice president and general manager of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.
Supplying clean energy
As LNG is the lowest carbon fuel currently available to shipping at scale – emitting up to 23% less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (well-to-wake) compared to very/ultra-low sulphur fuel oil – the Progress is intended to expand access to cleaner energy for ship operators at the Port of Savannah, Georgia. The ship completed its final commissioning there in July 2024. Shell has signed a long-term agreement with Crowley to operate the barge, providing another fueling location to ships using liquefied natural gas.
“The Progress LNG bunker barge sets a new standard for quality and capability to serve the energy needs of the shipping industry,” said James C. Fowler, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley Shipping. “LNG offers a safe and reliable solution for ocean carriers that advances the transition to lower emissions. We congratulate the people whose dedication and hard work in designing and building this world-class vessel allowed us to reach this milestone for the US industry and our customers.”
In related news, Crowley recently held a christening ceremony for what it states to be America’s first all-electric ship assist harbor tugboat, the eWolf. The eTug will enter commercial service this week. Click here to read the full story.