Port Everglades Welcomes First LNG-Powered Cargo Ship

Port Everglades in Broward County, Florida, recently marked a significant milestone with the arrival of its first cargo ship fueled by liquified natural gas (LNG).

The vessel, named Quetzal, is a newbuild containership chartered by U.S. shipping and logistics company Crowley from Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping. This inaugural call of the LNG-powered cargo ship signifies a positive step towards sustainable shipping practices at the port.

While Port Everglades has previously hosted LNG-powered cruise ships, such as Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess and Silversea’s Silver Nova and Silver Ray, Quetzal’s arrival highlights the growing adoption of LNG in the maritime industry.

CEO and Port Director Joseph Morris commended Crowley for its efforts in reducing the environmental impact of transporting perishables through Port Everglades, emphasizing the importance of innovation and evolution in shaping the port’s maritime future.

Quetzal’s visit to Port Everglades also marked its first U.S. port call as part of its route connecting Central America and the U.S. The vessel is one of four Avance Class ships operating under a long-term time charter to Crowley, equipped with German MAN Energy Solutions’ high-pressure ME-GI engines known for their environmental efficiency.

With a capacity for 1,400 TEUs and 300 refrigerated unit plugs for perishable cargo, Quetzal and its sister ships are designed to minimize methane emissions, setting new standards for environmentally friendly container vessels.

Port Everglades, handling around one million TEUs annually, serves as a vital gateway to various regions including Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. Situated in the bustling cities of Dania Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood, the port caters to a diverse range of global trade routes.