LNG Bunker Barge—Crowley

Crowley Maritime Corporation partners with Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to support Shell Trading (US) Company.

Background

Shell and Crowley have committed to reducing fuel emissions and are partnering with Fincantieri Marin Group to achieve their mission.

• Shell Trading (US) Company (“Shell”) is committed to the decarbonization of the maritime sector.
• Shell and Crowley Maritime Corporation have entered a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) to provide lower-carbon fuel solutions.
• Crowley Maritime Corporation has committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes by 2050.

While research is still ongoing as to the ideal clean fuel, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is currently the leading commercially viable alternative to heavy fuel oil (HFO). Orders for LNG-powered ships are rising, with large cargo ships being the number one driver. Not surprisingly, the demand for LNG bunkering barges is also increasing.

The Future for LNG and Alternative Marine Fuels

Learn more about marine fuel emissions legislation.

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The Challenges

• Extend Crowley’s commitment to de-carbonization
• Transport LNG from the Shell LNG terminal at Elba Island, Georgia, to the port of Savannah, GA (4 miles)
• Bunker large container ships
• Build the largest Jones-Act-compliant LNG bunkering barge of its kind
• Incorporate Shell’s RFP and design requirements
• Manage time delays and cost increases due to material shortages during the pandemic

The Solution

Crowley Maritime Corporation partnered with Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding on the largest LNG bunkering barge built in the United States.

When complete, this 416-ft vessel will offer a capacity for 12,000 m3 (3.17 million gallons) of LNG. It will be the second LNG bunker barge Shell has added to its fleet under a long-term charter in the US.

“The new bunker barge will extend Crowley’s commitment to delivering cleaner, innovative solutions to help the shipping industry continue on the path to de-carbonization,” said Tucker Gilliam, Vice President of Crowley Shipping.

Timeline for LNG Bunkering Barge Delivery

• December 2020 - initial engagement with shipbuilding giant Fincantieri. Design collaboration.
• September 2021 - contract awarded
• 4th Quarter 2023 - delivery ETA
• 1st Quarter 2024 - LNG trials
• 1st Quarter 2024 – in service

Why Choose Fincantieri Marine Group?

Fincantieri has designed and constructed two large articulated tug-barges (ATB) for Crowley and was chosen to build this transformative vessel.

LNG Bunker Barge Experience and Expertise
“Our growing expertise and partnerships in the LNG transportation business are recognized by the industry and position us well in this growing market. We are pleased Crowley selected our team at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to execute this important and highly visible project.” Todd Thayse, Vice President & General Manager of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.

The Crowley LNG bunker barge is the third Fincantieri has designed and constructed. Polaris New Energy’s Clean Canaveral had its inaugural run in March 2022. A second LNG bunker barge for Polaris New Energy is being built concurrently with Crowley’s.

Fincantieri Facilities
LNG bunker barges are built at the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding has climate-controlled manufacturing facilities allowing manufacturing to continue year-round, independent of weather conditions. The shipyard is equipped with a U.S. Navy-Certified Floating Drydock, a Graving Dock, ample Waterfront space, and lifting capacity to meet the most demanding requirement.

We recently completed a $250 million capital expansion plan, including updates and improvements for the FBS facility, including a new floating drydock, computer-aided manufacturing equipment, and climate-controlled manufacturing facilities.

FBS has the capacity to build additional LNG bunker barges in parallel with the existing order book.

The Outlook for LNG Bunkering Barges

Learn more about the outlook for LNG bunkering barges.

DONWLOAD GUIDE

About Fincantieri Marine Group

Fincantieri Marine Group is the U.S. subsidiary of one of the world’s largest shipbuilders. Established in the late 1700s, Fincantieri is legendary for designing and building military vessels, highly specialized support vessels, ferries, cruise ships, and mega yachts.

Services include new construction, repair, maintenance, and conversions in state-of-the-art shipyards that operate year-round.

For more information about LNG bunkering barge construction contact:

Justin Slater
Director of Sales and Marketing
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding
605 North 3rd Avenue
Post Office Box 830
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Office: 920-746-3373
Justin.Slater@us.fincantieri.com