Jacksonville, Florida – July 10, 2025 — Leading U.S.-owned logistics, marine, and energy solutions company Crowley has announced that its LNG bunker barge Progress has completed its 50th bunkering operation, marking a major milestone in the company’s mission to deliver cleaner marine fuel solutions. In less than ten months of operation, Progress has safely delivered over 340,000 cubic meters of liquefied natural gas (LNG), enabling low-emission shipping at one of the most strategically important U.S. ports.
This achievement underscores Crowley’s commitment to operational safety, environmental stewardship, and the build-out of scalable infrastructure to support maritime energy transition. All 50 discharges have been completed without a single lost-time incident — a testament to the training, professionalism, and focus of the Crowley bunkering team.
Strategic Deployment at the Port of Savannah
Based out of the Port of Savannah, Georgia, Progress has rapidly established itself as a critical asset in the region’s clean fueling ecosystem. The 416-foot vessel, delivered by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, is the largest Jones Act-compliant LNG bunker barge ever built in the U.S., with a capacity of 12,000 cubic meters (about 3.17 million gallons). Its advanced capabilities allow it to serve a wide range of dual-fuel vessels, including container ships, car carriers, and cruise vessels.
The strategic placement of Progress in Savannah — one of the fastest-growing container ports in North America — reinforces Savannah’s emergence as a key LNG fueling hub, eliminating the need for vessels to rely solely on shore-based fueling infrastructure and enabling faster, cleaner turnarounds.
LNG as a Marine Fuel: Lower Emissions, Ready Today
LNG has become the leading transitional marine fuel in the shipping industry’s journey toward decarbonisation. It offers an immediate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 23% well-to-wake; virtually eliminates sulfur oxide (SOₓ) emissions, and drastically reduces nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and particulate matter compared to traditional heavy fuel oil.
As regulators tighten emissions rules — from IMO 2020 sulfur limits to upcoming IMO 2050 net-zero targets and regional carbon pricing schemes like the EU ETS — shipowners are turning to LNG as a proven, scalable, and commercially available solution. Crowley’s LNG bunkering operations ensure that vessels can meet these new standards without compromising performance or reliability.
The infrastructure developed through Progress also lays the groundwork for future fuels, including bio-LNG and synthetic e-LNG, making today’s investments fully adaptable for tomorrow’s zero-carbon supply chain.
Crowley’s Commitment to Safety and Sustainability
Crowley’s success with Progress reflects its core values: Safety, Sustainability, and Drive. The vessel’s flawless safety record — with zero lost-time incidents over its first 50 operations — sets a new benchmark in the U.S. bunker market. Crowley attributes this success to meticulous training, resilient crews, and operational discipline.
“This achievement is the result of exceptional teamwork and a relentless commitment to operational excellence,” the company stated. “Progress is more than a vessel — it’s a platform for sustainable change in our industry.”
A New Chapter in U.S. Marine Fueling
Progress was christened in late 2024 and entered service shortly thereafter, signaling a major leap forward for U.S.-flagged bunkering capabilities. In under a year, the vessel has transitioned from new build to cornerstone of a cleaner energy network in the U.S. Southeast.
By building LNG infrastructure from the ground up in Savannah — and scaling operations quickly and safely — Crowley has not only delivered on its promise of sustainability but also helped advance U.S. leadership in clean maritime fuel logistics.
Conclusion: Progress in Name and Mission
From its first LNG delivery to its 50th discharge, Progress lives up to its name — enabling real, measurable progress in maritime decarbonisation. As shipping accelerates its shift to cleaner fuels, Crowley is not just keeping pace — it is setting the standard.
About Crowley
Crowley, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, is a distinguished U.S.-owned and -operated enterprise at the forefront of global logistics, supply chain, and energy services. With annual revenues exceeding $2.5 billion, a fleet of over 160 vessels, and a dedicated workforce of approximately 6,300 employees worldwide, Crowley serves commercial, government, and international markets. Boasting a rich legacy of over 130 years, Crowley’s commitment to innovation and sustainability positions it as an industry leader, operating in more than 365 nations, islands, and territories.
Source Crowley