Crowley installs LNG-fueled microgrid in Puerto Rico terminal

Maritime logistics company Crowley has installed a microgrid fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) in its Isla Grande logistics terminal in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to enhance the resiliency of its operations.

Contingency planning

Scheduled for completion in early 2026, the energy system will provide a power supply tailored to support the terminal’s daily operations, such as powering its terminal equipment, refrigerated containers and administrative and maintenance facilities. According to the company, the microgrid will produce power that is more reliable, less expensive and cleaner than power generally delivered from the public grid, while sustaining Crowley’s ongoing contribution to the continuity of Puerto Rico’s supply chain.

“This LNG-fueled microgrid is a transformative investment that ensures our logistics terminal in San Juan can maintain seamless operations regardless of external conditions,” said Matt Jackson, vice president of advanced energy at Crowley. “It exemplifies our focus on delivering innovative energy solutions that enhance reliability and operational resilience for our customers and the communities we serve.”

Sustainable infrastructure

Plans for the microgrid come after Crowley began operating American Energy, the first US-flagged carrier to deliver LNG sourced from the US mainland to the island. The company also delivers more than 94 million gallons of LNG annually through its LNG Truck Loading Facility in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico. Crowley has invested more than US$550m to advance trade in the commonwealth through LNG-fueled container ships and related port infrastructure for its shipping and logistics services at the Isla Grande terminal.

In related news, Crowley recently accepted delivery of the LNG bunker barge Progress, said to be the largest US Jones Act-compliant vessel of its kind, after construction was completed at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Click here to read the full story.