Crowley Deploying New Container Equipment
Crowley Maritime Corporation’s liner services group is deploying an influx of new container equipment, including hundreds of chassis, ISO tanks and high-cube containers, for use in the company’s services between the U.S., Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Central America, the company announced today.
To date, 534 of 1,300 40-foot chassis have been received, with the remaining 766 scheduled to arrive in Jacksonville by April 1. Additionally, 240 new 20’ ISO tank containers have also been delivered, replacing 145 units that had served customers for over 30 years. Accompanying the ISO tanks are 145 matching chassis, which will be compatible with the company’s new Commitment (C) Class vessels – some of the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered, combination container and Roll-On/Roll-Off (ConRo) ships in the world, designed especially for service between the United States and Puerto Rico. Finally, the company's 40’ high-cube containers are starting to trickle in, with half of the 2,300 ordered expected to arrive by the beginning of May.
Crowley’s equipment acquisitions follow the recent announcement that the company would be increasing its capacity and sailing frequency in the U.S. Mainland – Puerto Rico trade in the first quarter. To accommodate growth, the company said it would be adding more than 6,000 total pieces of new equipment in 2015, which would be comprised of chassis and dry and refrigerated containers. Crowley also recently added five tankers to its fleet.