Vessel Brings over Half a Billion Gallons of US LNG to Puerto Rico

Why It Matters

The delivery establishes a stable, lower‑carbon fuel source for Puerto Rico, reducing reliance on costly diesel and bolstering the island’s energy resilience. It also shows how U.S. maritime logistics can drive regional decarbonization and economic growth.

Key Takeaways

• American Energy delivered 549 M gallons of U.S. LNG in first year.
• Supplies enough gas for ~1.2 M Puerto Rican homes annually.
• Cuts island’s power emissions ~30% versus diesel.
• Employs 90 U.S. mariners; 20% are Puerto Rican crew.
• Supports EcoEléctrica plant via multi‑year Naturgy partnership.

Pulse Analysis

Puerto Rico’s power system has long struggled with aging infrastructure and a heavy dependence on diesel generators, which drive up costs and emissions. In response, the island has turned to liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a bridge fuel that can be stored offshore and burned cleaner than oil. The launch of the American Energy, the first U.S.-flagged LNG carrier dedicated to the market, marks a tangible step toward that transition, delivering U.S.-sourced gas directly to the EcoEléctrica terminal in Peñuelas.

During its inaugural year, the vessel moved roughly 2 million cubic meters—about 549 million gallons—of LNG, enough to power an estimated 1.2 million homes and cut carbon output by nearly 30 % compared with diesel. The shipments are part of a multi‑year agreement with global energy firm Naturgy, ensuring a steady supply chain for the island’s power plants. Crowley also employed 90 U.S. mariners, 20 % of whom are Puerto Rican, reinforcing local maritime expertise while supporting the island’s broader economic activity.

The success of American Energy underscores how U.S. maritime assets can enhance regional energy security while advancing decarbonization goals. By providing reliable, low‑emission fuel, the vessel reduces Puerto Rico’s exposure to volatile oil markets and creates a template for similar projects in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. As the United States pushes for cleaner fuel adoption across its fleet, Crowley’s integrated logistics platform—combining cargo terminals, ISO tank transport, and LNG‑fueled vessels—positions it to capture growing demand for sustainable energy transport.