Crowley takes delivery of first Jones Act product tanker

The U.S.-owned and operated marine solutions, transportation and logistics company took delivery of the first product tanker constructed with consideration for the future use of LNG for propulsion.    Crowley Maritime Corp. this week took delivery of the Ohio, the first of the four new Jones Act product tankers and the first product tanker constructed with consideration for the future use of LNG for propulsion, the ocean carrier said in a statement.
   The additional three product tankers are currently under construction at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc. and have planned deliveries through 2016.
   The new, 50,000-dwt Jones Act product tankers are 600 feet long and have the capability to carry crude oil or refined petroleum products.
   Based on a Hyundai Mipo Dockyards design, the product tankers incorporate several fuel efficiency features, flexible cargo capability and the latest regulatory requirements.
   Jensen Maritime, Crowley’s Seattle, Wash.-based naval architecture and marine engineering subsidiary, is providing construction management services for the vessels.
   “Adding these new Jones Act tankers to our fleet allows us to continue providing our customers with diverse and modern equipment to transport their petroleum and chemical products in a safe and reliable manner,” Crowley Senior Vice President and General Manager, Petroleum and Chemical Transportation Rob Grune said of the new vessels.