Crowley Continues Equipment Fleet Expansion and Modernization
Some Containers to Have Environmentally-Friendly Recycled, Composite Floors
(Jacksonville, Fla.; Feb. 29, 2008) – Crowley Maritime Corporation’s liner services group announced today a significant 2008 equipment acquisition plan that involves more than 1,500 new containers and related cargo handling units. Included in the order are about 20 45-foot (102-inch wide) containers with recycled, composite-material floors, which are considered more environmentally friendly than traditional wood floors.
“Acquiring these prototype shipping containers with recycled, composite-material floors is a small, albeit important step, in lessening our environmental footprint,” said John Azzo, Crowley’s director of materials management. “We’re going to try these new containers, see how they perform, and if all goes well, acquire more of them in the future.”
Aside from the environmental advantages of using recycled floors, there should be other benefits as well. According to the manufacturer Singamas – the recycled material is tougher than wood and more resilient against wear and tear; it’s also water resistant, decay-proof, mold-resistant, corrosion-resistant and does not have to be treated with chemicals. The recycled materials used to construct the flooring of these containers should prove more durable providing additional time between maintenance cycles
In all, Crowley will acquire 600 45-foot (102-inch wide) dry containers, 600 45-foot chassis, 120 40-foot high-cube and 40 20-foot standard refrigerated containers, 150 45-foot flat bed trailers, 50 mafi trailers and 274 generator sets.
Crowley already boasts an impressive and diverse equipment fleet. The company owns and leases more than 49,000 pieces of specialized equipment, including more than 20,394 chassis, 18,280 dry containers and more than 3,000 refrigerated containers – all of which are in a variety of sizes and strategically located throughout the U.S., Central America and the Caribbean.
“We understand the importance of having the right equipment available for our customers when they need it and where they need it,” Azzo said.
Jacksonville-based Crowley Maritime Corporation, founded in San Francisco in 1892, is a privately held family and employee-owned company that provides diversified transportation and logistics services in domestic and international markets by means of six operating lines of business: Puerto Rico/Caribbean Liner Services, Latin America Liner Services, Logistics Services, Petroleum Services, Marine Services and Technical Services. Offered within these operating lines of business are the following services: liner container shipping, logistics, contract towing and transportation; ship assist and escort; energy support; salvage and emergency response; vessel management; vessel construction and naval architecture; government services, and petroleum and chemical transportation, distribution and sales. Additional information about Crowley its subsidiaries and business units may be found on the Internet at www.crowley.com.
# # #