Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/715089
26 "We are designing and delivering technology with the expectation that it will make an industry-defining, long-term difference for our trade," said Gilliam. "That's exciting. The scale of this project is large, yet the ultimate results will mean we have delivered terminal improvements and new ships that are designed to last more than 25 years – and have provided innovative and dependable service and solutions for customers." Gilliam's job is to ensure that the many parts of this major project remain in sync. Spanning two computer screens at his second floor desk in Crowley's corporate office in Jacksonville, are spreadsheets, contracts and designs that he reviews from the team's process engineering and construction management teams. While design engineering teams devised the best new exit gate plans, for example, Gilliam reviewed those plans to ensure they meshed with other operations so different elements of the design did not conflict. Each quarter, he visits VT Halter Marine Inc.'s shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., to see the ConRo ships' progress first hand. He eyeballs the Isla Grande terminal and pier projects every other month in San Juan. In the first half of 2016, there was a flurry of activity as Crowley reached milestones on the projects. The main and auxiliary engines for El Coquí were placed in the ship, while in May, Crowley awarded a $21 million contract to Del Valle Group, S.P. of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, to begin terminal improvements in the upland area to enhance container staging and access and egress efficiency. The work represents a crucial, strategic commitment to the Jones Act trade with Puerto Rico, supporting jobs and a full range of services by Crowley. "We are pleased the construction process continues to advance as does our 60-year long commitment to Puerto Rico," said John Hourihan Jr., Crowley's senior vice president and general manager, Puerto Rico services. "From the latest technology in environmentally friendly ships to new equipment scheduled for construction at the terminal, we continue to experience success developing more efficient operations in the Jones Act trade." Coupled with the new pier, the terminal will be the best and most efficient in all of Puerto Rico. Both projects will aid the efficiency of ships and cargo arriving and departing Isla Grande. Making all of this investment and construction possible are the Jones Act and a new long-term lease with the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. Adding the best-possible container- handling technology, Crowley's terminal Left: Tucker Gilliam, vice president, special projects. Right: The crews install the vessel's crankshaft. handling technology, Crowley's terminal handling technology, Crowley's terminal