Crowley’s Quetzal Ushers in a New Era of LNG-Powered Shipping at JAXPORT

A Cleaner, More Efficient Future for Cargo

Jacksonville’s bustling port just got greener. JAXPORT celebrated the arrival of Crowley’s Quetzal, the first in a fleet of four cutting-edge, LNG-powered containerships designed to slash emissions while boosting efficiency. With a capacity of 1,400 TEUs, the Quetzal isn’t just another cargo vessel—it’s a glimpse into the future of sustainable shipping.

“This isn’t just about moving goods—it’s about moving them responsibly,” said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green, presenting Crowley CEO Tom Crowley with a commemorative plaque to mark the ship’s maiden voyage.

Built for Perishables—and the Planet

The Quetzal is the flagship of Crowley’s Avance Class, a series of ships specifically engineered for perishable goods, retail products, and other high-value cargo. What sets them apart? A robust infrastructure of 300 refrigerated container plugs, ensuring everything from fresh produce to pharmaceuticals stays at the perfect temperature during transit. By 2025, three more of these vessels will join Crowley’s fleet, reinforcing the company’s commitment to cleaner logistics.

But the real game-changer is the fuel. LNG (liquefied natural gas) drastically reduces sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and CO2 emissions compared to traditional marine fuels. The Quetzal will tap into Eagle LNG’s on-dock fueling station at JAXPORT, streamlining operations while minimizing its environmental footprint.

Expanding Routes, Shrinking Emissions

The Avance Class ships will ply routes between the U.S. and key Central American markets—Guatemala, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic—with the Quetzal primarily operating in Crowley’s Central North American Zone. Two of the four ships will make regular stops at JAXPORT, while the others will visit periodically, weaving Jacksonville into a growing network of sustainable trade lanes.

Crowley isn’t new to LNG-powered innovation at JAXPORT. The company already operates two LNG-fueled ConRo ships—Taíno and El Coquí—which ferry containers and vehicles to Puerto Rico twice a week. The Quetzal and its siblings represent the next step in that evolution, combining cleaner energy with specialized cargo capabilities.

A Milestone for Maritime Sustainability

The arrival of the Quetzal isn’t just a win for Crowley or JAXPORT—it’s a signal to the entire shipping industry. As regulators and consumers demand greener supply chains, LNG-powered vessels offer a practical bridge to a low-carbon future. With its advanced design and strategic routes, the Avance Class proves that sustainability and efficiency don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

For now, all eyes are on Jacksonville, where the Quetzal’s maiden voyage marks the beginning of a quieter, cleaner chapter in maritime history.