New Crowley terminal in Puerto Rico

The contract, awarded to Del Valle Group, S.P. of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, is the third such award in preparation for the arrival next year of the first of Crowley’s two new liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered, Commitment Class ships now under construction in Pascagoula, Miss.

“We are very pleased to have this final contract awarded as part of the transformation of our terminal at Isla Grande,” said Jose “Pache” Ayala, Crowley vice president, Puerto Rico.

“The improvements being made to the terminal will provide customers with faster gate times and overall shorter turn times for truckers in and out of the terminal. The overall improved efficiency we will be able to achieve will further enhance the excellent service our customers already receive.

“We are equally pleased to choose a Puerto Rico-based construction company that will create private sector jobs on the island and keep the money in the local economy,” he added.

The construction contract includes expanding the terminal’s capacity for handling refrigerated containers; paving 15 acres to accommodate container stacking; installing a new electrical substation to provide power for three new ship-to-shore gantry cranes; constructing a new seven-lane terminal exit gate, and installing hardware required for a new, state-of-the-art terminal operating software system.

The latest deal follows a $48.5m contract in 2015 for a new pier at the Isla Grande terminal. That contract was awarded to L.P.C. & D. Inc., of Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, and includes the development of a new 900ft by 114ft concrete pier and all associated dredging for the Commitment Class ships.

Crowley’s terminal expansion also includes the construction and installation of three new ship-to-shore gantry cranes under a separate contract.