Safeguarding the Environment

In 2022, we started monitoring vessel emissions on a per-voyage basis to identify ways to reduce fuel burn, improve efficiency and reduce emissions in 2023. We have also transitioned to exclusively using water-based paints when performing maintenance on dry containers to avoid the use of solvents that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Additionally, we are experimenting with new hull coatings that may increase the fuel efficiency of our vessels.

To further reduce land-side emissions, we are in the process of converting all our propane powered forklifts to electric. We purchased new outdoor electric light-duty forklifts in 2022 to support our refrigerated container operations on our U.S. terminals. We are also working with companies that are developing electric yard trucks as part of a Port Infrastructure Development Grant through the U.S. Maritime Administration.

We have several ongoing initiatives to improve energy conservation. These include installing LED lighting and smart thermostats with timers throughout our facilities and replacing outdated appliances with more energy-efficient units.

In January 2020, the IMO imposed new regulations limiting fuel oil sulfur to 0.050% m/m (mass by mass) for ships operating outside designated Emissions Control Areas (ECAs) — a significant reduction from the previous limit of 3.5%. To meet these requirements, by the third quarter of 2019, Crowley had successfully converted its fleet to operate on Marine Gasoil (NGO) with the majority of the purchases being sub 15ppm sulfur, a 99.7% reduction against the minimal IMO requirements. 

Modernizing the ports where we operate through electrification, rightsizing facilities, investing in alternative fuel equipment and building renewable energy capacity can help reduce our emissions. For instance, we partnered with Entergy Louisiana to connect our vessels operating out of the Port of Lake Charles to electricity instead of fossil fuel-powered generators while idling. The port estimates the transition will reduce emissions by more than 500 metric tons per year, the equivalent of eliminating almost 1,300,000 miles driven by the average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle.

We are taking advantage of LNG as a transition fuel to bridge the gap between higher emitting fuels and renewables. LNG is a highly efficient fuel, contributing less emissions than traditional marine fuels, enabling Crowley to provide the energy necessary to power the economy while reducing emissions. Our capabilities range from supplying small-scale LNG, to integrating LNG into microgrids and providing end-to-end LNG supply chain solutions.

In 2022, we announced plans for four new modern LNG-powered container feeder ships, helping to expand our LNG operations by connecting U.S. markets to manufacturing hubs in Central America. Additionally, under contract with Crowley, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding started construction in 2022 on the largest LNG bunkering barge ever built in the United States.

There is great potential in the U.S. wind energy market given the government’s commitment and private sector initiatives to increase the country’s clean energy supply. It is expected that there will need to be around $100 billion of investment by 2030 to reach the U.S.’s national offshore wind target. Crowley can enable this undertaking by offering full-service logistics and transportation services from start to finish. With a fleet of Jones Act-compliant vessels, we can deliver wind turbine components, foundations and related supplies to nearshore and offshore project sites safely and efficiently, and support turbine installation and maintenance with specialized teams.

We have launched Crowley Wind Services to take advantage of the immense opportunity that wind energy offers through a 5-pillar strategy:

Marine Terminals: Control and operate highly utilized and automated terminal facilities for key tenants while leveraging the real estate to warehouse components and support OSW services.

Supply Chain Management Services (4PL): Provide both supply chain solutions and lifecycle management through digital platforms and data analytics including procurement and marine management.

Marine Transport & Operations: Leverage Crowley land and sea assets to provide specialized transport of construction and maintenance components.

Construction & Installation Solutions: Leverage Crowley capabilities to support construction and development of offshore wind farms focusing on project management and execution.

Operations & Maintenance Solutions: Invest in and operate O&M marine support fleet (SOVs) as entry point to broader O&M support which will leverage the lifecycle management platform and talent pipeline partnerships.

Crowley has committed to a science-aligned target for reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. As of publication of our greenhouse gas emissions in our 2022 Sustainability Report, Crowley has not purchased, sold, or applied any voluntary carbon offsets. Crowley has not achieved and is not claiming to have achieved net zero emissions as of the date of this publication.

Crowley engages a third-party to verify our greenhouse gas emissions inventory each year. For years 2000 – 2022, we have received Limited Assurance by our third-party verifier.

View the Verification Statement