Crowley’s 2nd LNG-Powered ConRo Goes Full Speed Ahead

Crowley’s second commitment class ConRo, Taíno, currently under construction at VT Halter Marine in Pascaguola, Mississippi, has aced its first speed trial, bringing it a step closer to delivery, the company said.

“As part of the testing and commissioning phase of her construction, Taíno recently notched a top speed during speed trials of more than 24 knots,” said Cole Cosgrove, vice president, global ship management.

The ship has returned to VT Halter Marine for final touches, testing and commissioning before it is delivered to Crowley later this year.

The 2,400 TEU vessel features specially-designed bulbous bow that allows the ship to efficiently cut through the water, an LNG-fueled main engine that produces over 26 megawatts of power to drive the streamlined hull, and a computer-optimized, high efficiency 24-foot diameter propeller that translates the power from the LNG-fired main engine into thrust, Crowley said.

Taíno will join El Coquí to operate within the Jones Act Puerto Rico trade. El Coquí, one of the first ConRos in the world, was delivered to Crowley in July this year.