First LNG tanker ready for service to Puerto Rico

Crowley Corp. and energy company Naturgy signed a multi-year agreement for the regular delivery of U.S. continental liquefied natural gas to Naturgy’s facility in Peñuelas on the Crowley-owned tanker American Energy.

By The Star Staff

Crowley Corporation President and CEO Tom Crowley announced Tuesday that the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker ship, which will transport U.S.-origin natural gas to Puerto Rico, is now available for shipment.

“We are proud and privileged to expand the availability of U.S. LNG in Puerto Rico in partnership with Naturgy,” Crowley said in a written statement. “LNG is an abundant and reliable energy source available in the United States that offers a more resilient, lower-emissions option for our nation’s energy portfolio to quickly meet Puerto Rico’s energy demands while supporting job creation, U.S. energy production, and U.S. national security.”

Jon Ganuza, general manager of wholesale markets and supply at Naturgy, added that “[t]his agreement strengthens our presence in the global LNG market, particularly in the United States, and allows Puerto Rico to obtain a stable and competitive energy supply route.”

“The entry into service of [tanker ship] American Energy represents a major step in our efforts to maintain a reliable fuel supply to sustain Puerto Rico’s electrical grid, which will greatly benefit our people,” Gov. Jenniffer González Colón said. “This partnership, made possible under existing regulations, allows us to increase access to a U.S.-based source of LNG while expanding our options in the process of stabilizing our electrical grid as we work to provide our residents and businesses with a more reliable and consistent source of power generation.”

Crowley and Naturgy signed a multi-year agreement for the regular delivery of continental LNG to Naturgy’s facility in Peñuelas. The Crowley-owned tanker, American Energy, has a capacity of 130,400 cubic meters (34.4 million gallons) per voyage and will operate in compliance with the U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996. It also has a CAP (Condition Assessment Program) 1 classification, certifying its highest rating for safety, condition and compliance with all regulatory requirements.