Port Everglades Welcomes First LNG-Powered Cargo Ship

Broward County’s Port Everglades recently marked a significant milestone as it welcomed its first cargo ship fueled by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), a cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative fuel.

The Crowley ship, named Quetzal, is part of a new fleet of vessels that the Florida-based global company plans to use for trade routes between the U.S., Central America, and the Caribbean Basin. The Quetzal is one of four new-build vessels that will be powered by LNG, showcasing Crowley’s commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in the maritime industry.

While several cruise ships powered by LNG have visited Port Everglades in the past, including Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess and Silversea’s Silver Nova and Silver Ray, the arrival of the Quetzal marks the first LNG-powered cargo ship to call at the port.

During a dockside plaque presentation, Broward County Commissioners Lamar P. Fisher and Robert McKinzie, along with port staff, recognized Crowley’s efforts towards decarbonization and their commitment to sustainable trade practices. This port call also marked Quetzal’s first visit to a U.S. port as part of its regular route between Central America and the U.S.

The Quetzal, along with the other three upcoming Avance Class container ships, has a capacity for 1,400 TEUs (20-foot container equivalent units) and 300 refrigerated unit plugs, making it ideal for transporting perishable cargo.

Port Everglades CEO and Port Director Joseph Morris praised Crowley’s initiative, stating, “Over the last year, our port has welcomed several cruise ships that use LNG, and we applaud Crowley’s efforts to reduce its impact when transporting perishables through Florida’s No. 1 port for perishable goods. It’s clear that our maritime future relies on innovation and continuous evolution.”

Ships powered by LNG offer significant environmental benefits compared to traditional diesel-fueled vessels, including lower greenhouse gas emissions such as sulfur oxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide, as well as the elimination of particulate matter. Crowley’s new class of vessels are equipped with high-pressure ME-GI engines that reduce methane slippage to negligible levels, further enhancing their environmental performance.

Press Release