Crowley marks one year of LNG carrier in service to island.

The U.S.-flagged liquefied natural gas carrier America Energy docks at the EcoEléctrica power generation facility in Peñuelas. (Facebook via Jenniffer González Colón)

By THE STAR STAFF

Crowley has marked the first anniversary of operations of American Energy, the first U.S.-flagged liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier dedicated exclusively to Puerto Rico, underscoring the company’s role in strengthening the island’s energy resilience and long‑term supply reliability.

The milestone, Crowley noted, highlights a year of uninterrupted LNG deliveries supporting electricity generation for homes, businesses and critical infrastructure across Puerto Rico. The vessel docks at the EcoEléctrica power generation facility in Peñuelas, where it delivers U.S.-sourced LNG under a multiyear partnership with global energy company Naturgy.

“I want to congratulate Crowley on achieving this milestone, marking the first anniversary of LNG deliveries to Puerto Rico by the vessel American Energy, a U.S.-flagged service dedicated to supplying our power needs,” Gov. Jenniffer González Colón said. “Crowley’s efforts help to strengthen our energy sector’s resiliency and support jobs and investment through a partnership that ensures safe, affordable electricity for our people. We will always support initiatives that advance Puerto Rico’s energy security and economic growth.”

Since its first delivery in March 2025, American Energy has transported more than 2 million cubic meters -- some 549 million gallons -- of LNG to the island. That volume is sufficient to power an estimated 1.2 million homes in Puerto Rico for a year, while also reducing carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 30% compared with diesel fuel.

“Reaching one year of uninterrupted service with American Energy represents more than a performance milestone; it represents dependable access to energy for Puerto Rico,” said Jackie González, vice president of advanced energy for Crowley. “Over the past year, this vessel has provided consistent, secure LNG transportation that families, businesses and communities rely on every day. That reliability supports economic activity, essential services and greater energy confidence across the island.”

Beyond energy supply, the vessel has played a meaningful role in strengthening the U.S. maritime workforce. Over the past year, American Energy has employed 90 U.S. mariners, including 16 cadets and apprentices. Nearly 20% of those mariners are from Puerto Rico, helping expand maritime career opportunities and support the island’s skilled labor force.

The LNG carrier builds on Crowley’s more than 70‑year presence in Puerto Rico and its longstanding support of the island’s energy and logistics infrastructure. Through its partnership with Naturgy, American Energy delivers LNG to the EcoEléctrica facility, one of Puerto Rico’s primary power generation plants, ensuring a steady fuel supply that supports residential, commercial and industrial electricity demand.

Crowley’s energy operations in Puerto Rico extend beyond LNG shipping. The company operates a full‑service cargo terminal in San Juan that supports container ships and roll‑on/roll‑off barge operations, including two LNG‑fueled vessels. Crowley also provides integrated logistics services across the island.

In Peñuelas, Crowley supplies some 94 million gallons of LNG annually to industrial customers from its LNG loading terminal and provides transportation through ISO tank containers. Together, the operations contribute to a more diversified and resilient energy system for Puerto Rico as it continues its transition toward cleaner, more reliable power sources.