Crowley inks collaboration agreement with ExxonMobil, Eagle LNG Partners

The Jacksonville, Fla.-based marine solutions, transportation and logistics company has joined forces with ExxonMobil and Eagle LNG Partners to develop liquefied natural gas for vessel operators bunkering in North America.    Jacksonville, Fla.-based Crowley has partnered with ExxonMobil and Eagle LNG Partners LLC to develop liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel for vessel operators bunkering in North America.
   The agreement will initially be focused in Florida before expanding to other North American markets, Crowley said.
   ExonnMobil will provide technical support and expertise on operations and fuel sales to vessel operators; Eagle LNG Partners will supply the LNG and facilities for the storage and transportation of the fuel; and Crowley will provide bunker logistics and safe operations, Crowley said.
   The decision by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to introduce a global 0.5 percent sulfur cap on vessel emissions in 2020 will impact bunker fuel selection, Crowley explained. The parties believe that the marine industry is heading for a multi-fuel future that will include low-sulfur options, with LNG being an important part of that mix.
   “The memorandum of understanding is another major step forward in developing LNG as a marine fuel,” said Luca Volta, LNG Venture Manager at ExxonMobil. “It will leverage the specialist knowledge and expertise of ExxonMobil, Eagle LNG Partners and Crowley to the benefit of vessel operators bunkering in North America. This agreement provides additional opportunities for vessel operators looking to adopt LNG as a marine fuel.”