ABS Deems Crowley Product Tankers 'LNG-Ready'

Four-ship series built to ABS class is first to take advantage of LNG-Ready approval for potential conversion to LNG fuel in the future

ABS has issued the first LNG-Ready approval in accordance with its Guide for LNG Fuel Ready Vessels to a product tanker, granting LNG-Ready Level 1 approval and approval in principle for Crowley Maritime Corporation’s new Jones Act tanker Ohio, the first in a series of four ships built by Aker Philadelphia Shipyard

By achieving compliance with the ABS Guide for LNG Fuel Ready Vessels, Crowley has the option to convert the product tankers to LNG propulsion at a later date having already been granted a conceptual review.

“ABS has played a fundamental role in supporting the ambitions of the maritime industry as it moves to embrace the opportunity of LNG as fuel,” said ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. “This milestone builds upon our work to provide owners with the guidance and support they need to move ahead with shipbuilding projects that allow them the flexibility to respond to changes over the lifetime of their vessels.”

According to ABS, who published the Guide for LNG Fuel Ready Vessels in 2014, its LNG-Ready endorsements allow shipowners and yards the flexibility to limit initial investment while planning for the future conversion to dual fuel or gas-powered combustion engines. 

Rob Grune, senior vice president and general manager petroleum services for Crowley, said, “As our business continues to shape itself to better meet the requirements of our customers, these vessels that stand ready and able to operate on a cleaner, alternative fuel source are our way of anticipating future demands.”

Crowley will christen Ohio today at the Tampa Cruise Terminal. The 50,000 dwt, 330,000-barrel-capacity ship has already made two voyages to date carrying clean petroleum products to Florida.

The three remaining product tankers are expected to be delivered through 2016.