Image Courtesy: JAXPORT
Two large container cranes were moved by barge on June 11 up the St. Johns River from the Jacksonville Port Authority’s (JAXPORT) Blount Island Marine Terminal to the port’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal.
According to JAXPORT, the cranes are being permanently relocated to service Crowley Maritime Corporation’s new liquefied natural gas (LNG) -powered vessels, which will be based at Talleyrand.
“The repositioning of the cranes is part of JAXPORT’s plan to maximize the use of each public seaport terminal and its assets to generate the biggest returns for the community” JAXPORT said.
Designed specifically for service between Jacksonville and Puerto Rico, the Commitment Class ConRos, El Coquí and Taíno, will use clean LNG as their primary fuel, providing reductions in emissions as compared to existing fossil fuels.
El Coquí, which was launched on March 20, is expected in service in the second half of 2017, and Taíno is expected to begin service in the first half of 2018.
The Commitment Class project by Crowley features a USD 550 million investment that includes the next generation ships as well as a new 900-foot pier, three new specialized cranes, and new gate and terminal operating systems at the company’s Isla Grande Terminal in San Juan, Puerto Rico.