Crowley Puerto Rico Sets Stage for LNG ConRo Ships

Crowley Puerto Rico Services, part of Jacksonville-based Crowley Holdings, has signed a USD 48.5 million construction contract for a new pier at its Isla Grande Terminal in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In conjunction with the investment, the company and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA) have also concluded a 30-year lease extension for the Isla Grande property.

The construction contract was awarded to L.P.C.& D. Inc., of Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, and includes the development of a new 900-foot-long by 114-foot-wide concrete pier and all associated dredging needed to accommodate Crowley’s two new liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered, Commitment Class ships. Crowley’s terminal expansion plans also include the installation of three new ship-to-shore container gantry cranes, which will be supplied under a separate contract.

”This is a great day for Crowley and the people of Puerto Rico, and a critical next step in our nearly USD 500 million re-investment in the Puerto Rico trade lane,” said Jose Ayala, Crowley vice president, Puerto Rico.

”This important project represents close collaboration between private business and PRPA to make a major investment in the infrastructure of Puerto Rico.”

Now that construction and lease contracts have been signed, Crowley is completing the acquisition of the necessary permits, including those from the US Army Corps of Engineers and other local agencies, which will allow the company to break ground in the coming months. Construction is expected to be complete in April 2017, in advance of the inaugural call of the first new Commitment Class ship, El Coqui.