Crowley’s newbuild Quetzal builds on company's plans to advance LNG

Crowley’s new LNG-powered 1,400-TEU container ship Quetzal has begun its first voyage, marking what the company said is a plan for faster, more frequent shipping with a new class of vessels for the US, Central America and the Dominican Republic.

One of Crowley’s Avance class of vessels, Quetzal is suited to quickly transport perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals, as well as retail products, apparel, breakbulk cargo and other essential items.

Quetzal initiated service on 11 April at Port of Santo Tomás, Guatemala. Named to honour Central American culture and communities, the Avance-class vessels, built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, South Korea, are all expected to enter service in 2025 from owner Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), operating under long-term charters to Crowley. 

“Quetzal and the Avance-class ships represent the next generation of Crowley’s innovation and leadership in supply chain solutions for international shipping in the Caribbean Basin,” said Crowley chairman and chief executive Tom Crowley.

“The vessels provide frequent service and greater capabilities to deliver cargo at peak times while carrying forward Crowley’s high operational standards. With the company’s decades of service in Central America and the Dominican Republic, the Avance class is a strategic investment by Crowley in the future of this international trade, setting a new standard for environmental efficiency.” 

Quetzal also builds on Crowley’s commitment to advancing LNG as a solution in the maritime industry’s energy transition.

“Crowley’s Avance-class ships feature high-pressure ME-GI engines by MAN Energy Solutions, which reduce methane slippage to negligible levels and make these vessels the most environmentally efficient in their category," the company said.