A key to Crowley’s success currently building its Commitment Class ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the company’s construction management team. Lead by manager Patrick Sperry, they are using the company’s deep well of expertise and experience delivering high performing ships, this time on Crowley’s own two combination container/Roll-On Roll-Off vessels being built at VT Halter Marine.
Under the sun in Pascagoula, Miss., Sperry and the team spend hours in the shipyard. They verify the building plans and construction are in sync, working with the shipyard’s quality control department to inspect every facet of the vessels. Piping, hull welding and fitting are carefully reviewing to make sure the vessel is tested and true to Crowley’s high standards for performance and safety.
This year, the team is leveraging its construction management skill so the industry-leading ships continue reaching milestones for their service in the U.S. Mainland-Puerto Rico trade. El Coquí and Taíno will bring increased speed and efficiency to the trade lane while reducing the environmental impact with lower emissions thanks to the LNG system.
“The most unique part of this ship is the fuel system. This is one of the first LNG ships to be built here in the U.S., one of the first LNG powered ships that’s going to be running in her trade lanes,” Sperry said recently while outside El Coquí, which was successfully launched at the shipyard.
“If we can do things efficiently the first time, it’s a win for the shipyard, and then on the backside, things get done in a more efficient manner, a more timely manner,” Sperry said.
The team combines the operations knowledge of Crowley with the diverse expertise of Jensen Maritime, its subsidiary that is a leader in marine engineering and naval architecture. Jensen and Crowley benefit from shared experience as an owner/operator. With over 200 owned or managed vessels, Crowley has significant know-how when it comes to making sure a ship performs right. Jensen engineers know how to optimize a vessel with the added design touches that an owner will find pleasing to the eye and desirable to the operator.
“Each of us takes a practical, yet keen view of the big picture to make sure the vessel meets the owner’s criteria every step of the way,” said Jensen’s Johan Sperling recently. “This allows our customer to continue to concentrate on the day-to-day business of their company. They stay abreast of the construction project via detailed weekly and monthly reporting that we provide from our vantage point of boots on the ground.”
To read more on the advantages of Crowley’s construction management services, read this Connections Magazine report.
