- Quetzal, Crowley’s newest LNG-powered containership, has made its maiden voyage to JAXPORT, offering increased capacity and reduced emissions.
- It is the first of four advanced Avance Class vessels designed for transporting perishable and essential goods between the U.S. and Central America and the Caribbean.
- LNG fueling is provided by Eagle LNG at Crowley’s terminal in Jacksonville, with the vessel set to operate primarily in the Central North American Zone service.
The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) celebrated a significant milestone with the arrival of Quetzal, Crowley’s latest liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered containership. Marking its maiden voyage, Quetzal brings enhanced cargo capacity and environmental benefits to the port, offering space for up to 1,400 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). As the newest addition to Crowley’s Central American and Caribbean service fleet, it represents a step forward in sustainable maritime transport, according to Marine News Magazine.
Launch of the Avance Class Vessels
Quetzal is the first in Crowley’s innovative Avance Class, a fleet of four modern ships designed specifically for the efficient transportation of a wide variety of goods. These vessels are engineered to support perishable shipments such as food and pharmaceuticals, in addition to retail products, apparel, and other essential commodities. Each ship is equipped with 300 refrigerated container plugs, enabling the safe transport of temperature-sensitive cargo.
Route and Fueling Operations at JAXPORT
Operating primarily within Crowley’s Central North American Zone service, Quetzal will maintain regular calls at JAXPORT. LNG fueling for the ship will be managed by Eagle LNG through its on-site fueling station located at Crowley’s terminal in Jacksonville. Two of the four Avance Class ships are expected to serve JAXPORT routinely, with the others making periodic visits.
Commemorative Celebration
To mark the occasion, JAXPORT CEO Eric Green presented a commemorative plaque to Crowley Chairman and CEO Tom Crowley, honoring the vessel’s inaugural arrival in Jacksonville and highlighting the ongoing partnership between JAXPORT and Crowley.
Crowley’s Broader LNG Commitment
Beyond the Quetzal, Crowley continues to expand its LNG-powered fleet at JAXPORT. The company also operates two combination container/roll-on roll-off (ConRo) vessels—Taíno and El Coquí—serving Puerto Rico. These ships conduct bi-weekly voyages between Jacksonville and San Juan, carrying both dry and refrigerated cargo as well as vehicles.
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Source: Marine News Magazine
