Crowley and Naturgy launch LNG supply between the United States and Puerto Rico

Crowley, in partnership with Naturgy, has launched LNG transport to Puerto Rico, bypassing restrictions imposed by the Jones Act to meet the island's energy demand.

Partagez:

Crowley, an American shipping company, has begun operations with its LNG tanker American Energy to ensure the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) between the United States and Puerto Rico. This partnership with Naturgy, a Spanish company, aims to support electricity generation on the island by supplying LNG to a receiving facility located in Peñuelas, on the southern coast of Puerto Rico.

The American Energy tanker, with a capacity of 130,400 cubic meters, will provide enough energy to power 80,000 homes for a year. The agreement between Crowley and Naturgy involves regular LNG deliveries from the Corpus Christi LNG terminal in Texas, where the ship was moored for its first mission. This operation responds to the need to stabilize Puerto Rico’s energy grid, which has long relied on alternative supply sources, particularly from Trinidad.

Bypassing the Jones Act of 1920

LNG transport between the United States and Puerto Rico falls within the framework of the Jones Act of 1920, which mandates that goods shipped between two U.S. ports must be transported on vessels built in the United States and flying the U.S. flag. However, the American Energy was reflagged under the U.S. flag after being built in France 31 years ago. This reflagging was made possible through an exception to the Jones Act that allows vessels built before 1996 to undergo this process, provided they are operated by an American crew.

This exemption allowed Crowley to comply with regulations while providing a supply solution for Puerto Rico. However, this solution is unlikely to be replicated in the short term due to the limited demand for U.S. LNG tankers, given the constraints of the Jones Act.

Commercial and Strategic Context

The partnership between Crowley and Naturgy marks a turning point in Puerto Rico’s energy strategy. The island recently ended its LNG supply contracts with Trinidad, a major supplier in recent years. By strengthening its presence in the U.S., Naturgy ensures a stable supply of liquefied natural gas while enhancing the competitiveness of its offerings in the global LNG market. This initiative could also pave the way for other similar contracts, although LNG supply between U.S. ports remains restricted by the Jones Act.

Moreover, Puerto Rico continues to rely on New Fortress Energy, which, through its offshore terminal in Mexico, also facilitates LNG imports while complying with regulations thanks to a waiver obtained from U.S. Customs authorities. This system allows for the bypassing of certain restrictions imposed by the Jones Act, but within a framework different from the one used by Crowley.

Energy Supply Outlook for Puerto Rico

This project allows Puerto Rico to diversify its LNG supply sources and reduce its dependence on certain traditional suppliers. By utilizing U.S.-based infrastructure and increasing supply options, the island aims to secure a more reliable energy source and optimize its electricity production costs.

In this context, the agreement between Crowley and Naturgy also highlights the tensions related to U.S. regulation, notably the Jones Act, which continues to be an obstacle for LNG transport between U.S. ports and its territories like Puerto Rico. However, this initiative could encourage other companies to consider similar solutions to meet the growing LNG demand in the region.

Pedro Azagra leaves his role as CEO of Avangrid to become CEO of Iberdrola, while Jose Antonio Miranda and Kimberly Harriman succeed him as CEO and Deputy CEO respectively of the American subsidiary.
The US investment fund Ares Management enters Plenitude's capital by acquiring a 20% stake from Eni, valuing the Italian company at 10 billion euros and reinforcing its integrated energy strategy.
ENGIE secures a contract to reduce Airbus' industrial emissions in France, Germany, and Spain, targeting an 85% decrease by 2030 through various local energy infrastructures.
Alain Rhéaume, Chairman of Boralex’s Board of Directors for eight years, will leave his position by December, following the appointment of his successor by the governance committee of the Canadian energy group.
Norwegian group Statkraft plans an annual cost reduction of NOK2.9bn ($292 million) by 2027, citing possible job cuts amid rising financial burdens and volatility in the European energy market.
EDF merges EDF Renouvelables and its International Division into EDF power solutions, led by Béatrice Buffon, to optimise its global 31 GW low-carbon energy portfolio and strengthen its international positioning.
TotalEnergies announces a strategic partnership with Mistral AI to establish a dedicated innovation laboratory integrating artificial intelligence tools aimed at enhancing industrial efficiency, research, and customer relations.
The Energy Transitions Commission warns of economic risks tied to growing protectionism around clean technologies, while calling for global consensus on carbon pricing.
Baker Hughes has reached an agreement to sell its precision sensor product line to Crane Company for $1.15bn, thereby refocusing its operations on core competencies in industrial and energy technologies.
American conglomerate American Electric Power sold 19.9% of two transmission subsidiaries to KKR and PSP Investments, raising $2.82bn to support its five-year $54bn investment plan.
The new mapping by Startup Nation Central identifies 165 active companies in Israel’s energy technologies, amid strong private funding and growing global market interest.
The new CEO of EDF, Bernard Fontana, aims to achieve €1 billion in operational cost savings for the French energy giant by 2030, prioritizing industrial contracts and the national nuclear sector.
CMS Energy Corporation has announced a cash tender offer for debt securities totalling $125 million, issued by Consumers Energy. The offer expires on July 3, 2025, with priority given to bonds submitted before June 17, 2025.
Vermilion Energy is exiting the U.S. market permanently by selling its assets for C$120mn ($87.88mn), refocusing its operations on Canada and Europe while reducing its debt and investment budget.
In 2024, Italian energy giant Eni paid approximately €8.4 billion to various global governments. These payments, primarily concentrated in Africa and Asia, reflect its commitments in the international energy sector.
The International Energy Agency projects a record-high global energy investment in 2025, driven by electricity and low-carbon technologies despite geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
The Czech regulatory authority launches an investigation into suspected collusion involving several major actors in the awarding of a thermal power plant, putting transparency of a strategic transaction for the energy sector at stake.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to replace its temporary ban on cobalt hydroxide exports with quotas, aiming to balance global demand, secure revenue, and stabilize market fluctuations.
European Energy secured EUR 145mn in financing from SEB and Swedbank to support wind, solar, and storage assets in Lithuania, reinforcing its regional expansion strategy.
Greenvolt Group finalised the sale of 28 solar and wind projects to Transiziona, valued at €195mn, bringing total asset sales to €530mn in 2025 as part of its pan-European strategy.