First LNG-powered combo Con/Ro

VT Halter Marine of Pascagoula, Miss., delivered the world’s first combination container/roll on-roll off (Con/Ro) ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) on July 20 to Crowley Marine Corp. of Jacksonville, Fla. The Jones Act-compliant El Coquí is the first of two Commitment Class, LNG-powered Con/Ro ships being built for Crowley’s shipping and logistics services between Jacksonville and Puerto Rico. El Coquí will make its maiden voyage to San Juan later in July. Construction of sister ship Taino is underway at VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula shipyard, and is scheduled to enter service later in 2018. Fueling ships with LNG will reduce by 100 percent sulphur oxide and particulate matter, 92 percent of nitrogen oxide, and 35 percent of carbon dioxide per container compared against current fossil fuels. (Source: Crowley Marine 07/20/18) VT Halter Marine’s HQ in Pascagoula produces Panamax-sized vessels up to 50,000 DWT (dead weight tons) and features a newly expanded 600-foot tilt-beam launch system. Pascagoula Operations provides steel cutting and engineering services for all three of its facilities, including two in Moss Point, Miss. The Moss Point operation is utilized for commercial projects, and government programs.