Crowley has proudly announced the delivery of the LNG bunker barge Progress, the largest vessel of its kind that complies with the U.S. Jones Act. Constructed at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, the vessel marks a significant milestone in the push towards cleaner maritime fuel solutions.
Upon its final commissioning at the Port of Savannah, Georgia, later this month, Progress will greatly enhance the availability of cleaner energy options for ship operators. Under a long-term agreement with Crowley, Shell NA LNG, LLC (Shell) will operate the barge, adding another vital fueling location for ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
James C. Fowler, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Crowley Shipping, remarked on the vessel’s impact: “The Progress LNG bunker barge sets a new standard for quality and capability to serve the energy needs of the shipping industry. 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 U.S. industry and our customers.”
The Progress, designed by Crowley’s engineering services group, boasts a length of 416 feet and a capacity of 12,000 cubic meters (3.17 million gallons). Its transformative design ensures efficient and dependable LNG supply to fuel ships. The barge features advanced technologies developed by Shell and Crowley’s engineering services group, allowing flexible delivery of LNG to various containment systems.
Jan Allman, Vice President and General Manager of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, expressed pride in the project: “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.”
LNG is currently the lowest carbon fuel available at scale for the shipping industry, emitting up to 23% less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (well-to-wake) compared to very low or ultra-low sulfur fuel oil.
About Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding is part of the Fincantieri Marine Group, a subsidiary of Fincantieri S.p.A., one of the world’s largest shipbuilders. The company specializes in the design and construction of sophisticated vessels, including LNG bunkering barges, and provides ship repair and conversion services.
About Shell NA LNG, LLC
Shell NA LNG, LLC is a division of Shell that focuses on the development and management of liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects. The company works to provide cleaner, reliable, and affordable energy solutions through the use of LNG.
About Crowley Maritime
Crowley Maritime, a distinguished U.S.-owned and -operated enterprise at the forefront of global logistics, supply chain, and energy services. With an impressive annual revenue exceeding $2.5 billion, a fleet of over 160 vessels, and a dedicated workforce of approximately 6,300 employees spanning the globe, Crowley has become a trusted partner for customers in domestic, international, and government markets. Boasting a rich legacy of over 130 years, Crowley’s commitment to innovation and sustainability sets it apart as a leader in the industry, serving clients in 365 nations and island territories.
Source Crowley Maritime