Crowley, a forward-thinking leader in maritime logistics, has officially launched its first Avance Class LNG-powered containership, Quetzal, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to advancing environmentally friendly and efficient shipping solutions. The successful start of its commercial voyage opens a new chapter in Crowley’s operations, focused on delivering faster and more frequent ocean shipping services connecting the U.S., Central America, and the Dominican Republic.
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Quetzal: The First of Crowley’s New Avance Class Vessels
The Quetzal is the first vessel in Crowley’s innovative Avance Class, a new generation of ships designed to enhance cargo capacity while prioritizing sustainability. With a capacity to carry up to 1,400 twenty-foot container equivalent units (TEUs), Quetzal can accommodate a diverse range of container sizes, including 300 refrigerated container unit plugs. This versatility makes the vessel well-suited for transporting perishable goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and other time-sensitive cargo.
The Avance Class vessels represent a major investment in Crowley’s ability to serve international trade routes with a focus on environmental efficiency and operational excellence. The design of these vessels aligns with Crowley’s dedication to offering faster, more reliable services while maintaining high standards in safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
A Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
As part of Crowley’s continued efforts to reduce its environmental impact, the Quetzal is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a cleaner alternative to conventional marine fuels. LNG significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, including sulfur oxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide, while virtually eliminating particulate matter.
The Avance Class vessels, including Quetzal, are equipped with high-pressure ME-GI engines from MAN Energy Solutions, which minimize methane slippage to negligible levels. This technology makes the Quetzal one of the most environmentally efficient vessels in its class, a crucial step in the maritime industry’s transition to cleaner energy solutions.
Strategic Launch in Central America
The Quetzal set sail on its maiden voyage in April 2025, departing from the Port of Santo Tomás in Guatemala. This service marks the beginning of Crowley’s new approach to international shipping within the Caribbean Basin, a region where the company has built a long-standing reputation. The name Quetzal honors Central American culture, reflecting Crowley’s strong ties to the region and its commitment to supporting local communities.
Crowley’s investment in the Avance Class is expected to boost the capacity and frequency of service between the U.S. and key locations in Central America and the Dominican Republic, ensuring that goods are delivered in a more timely and efficient manner.
CEO Statement: Crowley’s Vision for the Future of Shipping
Tom Crowley, Chairman and CEO of Crowley, highlighted the significance of the Quetzal’s launch and the broader Avance Class initiative. “Quetzal and the Avance Class ships represent the next generation of Crowley’s innovation and leadership in supply chain solutions for international shipping in the Caribbean Basin,” said Crowley. “The vessels provide frequent service and greater capabilities to deliver cargo at peak timing while carrying forward Crowley’s high operational standards. With the company’s decades of service in Central America and the Dominican Republic, the Avance Class is a strategic investment by Crowley in the future of this international trade, setting a new standard for environmental efficiency.”
Advancing LNG in the Maritime Industry
The Quetzal and its sister ships are a testament to Crowley’s forward-thinking approach to LNG adoption within the maritime industry. As one of the few companies actively integrating LNG-powered vessels into their fleets, Crowley is playing a pivotal role in advancing the industry’s energy transition. By using LNG, Crowley not only reduces emissions but also sets a new standard for environmental responsibility in the global shipping industry.
The launch of the Avance Class vessels is part of Crowley’s broader strategy to maintain leadership in sustainable shipping and strengthen its position as a key player in the growing demand for environmentally conscious logistics solutions.
Crowley’s Legacy of Innovation in Shipping
Founded in 1892, Crowley is a U.S.-owned and operated logistics, marine, and energy solutions company based in Jacksonville, Florida. The company has a rich history of providing innovative and reliable services across its diverse business units, which include Crowley Logistics, Crowley Shipping, Crowley Fuels, Crowley Land Transportation Services, and Crowley Wind Services.
Through its Crowley Shipping division, the company owns and operates a fleet of conventional and dual-fuel vessels, providing crucial shipping services for both commercial and government customers. As Crowley continues to push the boundaries of innovation with vessels like the Quetzal, it remains a leader in the global shipping industry, focused on delivering efficient, sustainable, and dependable solutions for international trade.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Global Shipping
The Quetzal’s successful launch is not just a milestone for Crowley—it marks a significant step forward in the maritime industry’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact while improving operational efficiency. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Crowley’s investment in LNG-powered vessels will continue to reshape the future of international shipping, setting new standards for both environmental and operational performance.
As Crowley rolls out additional vessels in the Avance Class series later this year, the company is poised to lead the charge in providing cleaner, more efficient solutions for the global shipping industry. With these advancements, Crowley is solidifying its position as a forward-thinking leader in maritime logistics, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s shipping needs with cleaner, faster, and more reliable services.
Source Crowley Shipping