Crowley’s LNG-Powered Containership Quetzal Makes Inaugural Call at JAXPORT
Florida’s largest container port, the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT), has welcomed the maiden voyage of Quetzal, Crowley’s newest liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered containership.
The 1,400 TEU newbuild made its inaugural call at the port on April 29, 2025.
With capacity for up to 1,400 20-foot container equivalent units (TEUs), Quetzal offers more cargo capacity than the company’s previous vessels used in the Central American and Caribbean trade with the U.S. It is fueled by lower-emission LNG.
Measuring 170 meters in length with a beam of 27.60 meters, the vessel was built by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Mipo Dockyard for Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) and chartered to Crowley.
Quetzal is the first of Crowley’s new Avance Class of ships. Joining the Crowley fleet during 2025, the vessels are equipped with 300 refrigerated container unit plugs and will serve Guatemala, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic from the U.S.
The boxship will primarily operate in Crowley’s Central North American Zone service, calling JAXPORT. Eagle LNG will supply LNG fuel for the vessels from its on-dock fueling station at Crowley’s terminal at JAXPORT. Two of the Avance Class ships will regularly call at JAXPORT, with others expected to serve the port periodically.
“Quetzal advances Crowley’s commitment to leveraging LNG as a reliable and ample marine fuel solution as the maritime industry increases its environmental efficiency,” said Tom Crowley, Crowley Chairman and CEO.
“With the addition of Quetzal and its sister ships, we are expanding our capabilities for our customers while forging ahead in our transition to reach lower emissions. We appreciate the collaboration by JAXPORT to help us reach this milestone.”
“This vessel and its sister ship provide added capacity to grow our connections to Central America and further build on our diversification of business in key markets,” added Eric Green, JAXPORT CEO.
In addition to Quetzal and the forthcoming Avance vessels, Crowley operates two LNG-powered combination container/roll-on and roll-off (ConRo) ships serving Puerto Rico at JAXPORT. Twice a week, each of these vessels—Taíno and El Coquí—carries dry and refrigerated containers and vehicles between Jacksonville and San Juan.
