What American Energy Proves About Energy Reliability and U.S. Maritime Capabilities

Kollin Fencil, EVP and Division President, Energy, Crowley 

Key Facts:  

One year ago, Crowley deployed American Energy, the first U.S.-flagged LNG carrier dedicated to serving Puerto Rico. 

Today, amid global supply chain disruption and energy market volatility, its role has only become more important, with energy security and supply chain resilience now paramount.  

What we have proven is not just that the model works commercially. We have shown what is possible when you pair American maritime capability with an ample domestic energy supply, disciplined execution and a commitment to reliability. 

Proven Reliability in Real-world Operations 

In its first year, American Energy transported more than 549 million gallons (about 935,000 metric tons) of LNG to Puerto Rico. Just as important as the volume is how it was delivered. During this period, the vessel operated with 100% uptime, meaning no missed loading windows or delays. 

In energy logistics, that matters. Energy systems rely on predictability as much as capacity. When deliveries are consistent, utilities and grid operators can plan with confidence and communities benefit from more stable power. In Puerto Rico, that consistency makes a real difference, especially where dependable energy suppliers at a premium and seaports playing a vital role in quality of life, economic development and national security.  

Puerto Rico: A Real-World Test of Energy Resilience 

Puerto Rico’s energy system has faced challenges for years, including aging infrastructure, rising demand and exposure to supply disruptions. 

The headlines tend to focus on major outages like the island-wide blackouts earlier this year. The day-to-day reality tells the fuller story. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration,  the average household experienced 19 service interruptions in 2025, nearly 13 times the U.S. mainland average. 

For more than 70 years, Crowley’s commitment to Puerto Rico has spanned across vessels, marine terminals, logistics and inland LNG supply and distribution with a company workforce of more than 300 people. That long-term presence builds local understanding and reinforces accountability. 

As an island, Puerto Rico is limited in its capability alone to meet its immediate and long-term natural gas needs. Securing reliable LNG from the U.S. mainland provides a steady and secure supply alongside gas supplied on the international market. 

At full capacity, a single American Energy delivery can power roughly 80,000 homes for a year. In its first year, the vessel completed 17 deliveries. That is what consistency looks like when it scales. 

It is not just about the vessel. Over the past year, 90 U.S. mariners served onboard, including cadets and apprentices, with nearly 20% from or living in Puerto Rico. That local connection shows up as dedication in the operations through more efficient port calls, smoother coordination and better outcomes. 

This is an end-to-end system designed to deliver, and it plays a meaningful role in powering homes, businesses and communities across the island. 

A Domestic Approach That Delivers 

American Energy is more than a vessel. It is a direct link between Puerto Rico and a stable, U.S.-sourced energy supply in an uncertain global market. 

As the world’s largest LNG producer and exporter, the United States should not rely solely on international operators to serve a U.S. territory, especially one as strategically important as Puerto Rico. 

Earlier this year, the Trump Administration released its Maritime Action Plan, highlighting the role of U.S. maritime capability in national and economic security. There will be debate around the details, but the broader point is clear: Energy security and maritime capacity are connected. 

American Energy is a working example of that connection. 

It not only strengthens U.S. control over critical supply chains; it supports the U.S. merchant marine workforce and delivers reliable, domestically sourced energy through a system also built for consistency and accountability. 

This is not a theoretical framework. It is a system that has been operating successfully for a year. 

What Comes Next 

Demand for LNG in Puerto Rico and more broadly is expected to grow in 2026 and beyond. 

Meeting that demand will take more than supply. It will require the right partners, continued investment in transportation and infrastructure and logistics systems that can deliver reliably and consistently. 

The first year of American Energy does not solve every challenge ahead, but it does show what progress looks like when execution matches intent. 

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For more information on Crowley’s advanced energy solutions, including LNG transportation and logistics, visit www.crowley.com.