Broward County’s Port Everglades has marked a significant milestone by welcoming its first cargo ship powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). The vessel, named Quetzal, is part of Crowley’s initiative to use cleaner fuel for trade routes connecting the U.S., Central America, and the Caribbean Basin. This marks a new chapter in environmentally friendly shipping practices at the port.
Previously, LNG-powered cruise ships such as Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess and Silversea’s Silver Nova and Silver Ray have visited Port Everglades. However, Quetzal is the first cargo ship using LNG to dock at this location.
During a dockside plaque presentation, Broward County Commissioners Lamar P. Fisher and Robert McKinzie joined port staff to acknowledge Crowley’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and strengthening their trade partnership. This event also marked Quetzal’s inaugural U.S. port call on its route between Central America and the United States.
The Quetzal is one of four Avance Class container ships that Crowley plans to deploy. Each ship can carry 1,400 TEUs (20-foot container equivalent units) and has 300 refrigerated unit plugs for perishable goods.
Joseph Morris, CEO and Port Director, stated: “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.” He emphasized that innovation is key to the future of maritime operations.
LNG-powered vessels offer environmental benefits over traditional diesel engines by significantly lowering emissions of sulfur oxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide while eliminating particulate matter. According to Crowley, these vessels are equipped with high-pressure ME-GI engines that minimize methane slippage effectively.
