Crowley to build two more ocean tugs

The latest contract brings the number of new 10,880-horsepower tugs being constructed for Crowley to four,

and

adds to the more than $1 billion the company is investing in new tugs, high-capacity barges

and

articulated tug barge tank vessels (ATBs).

The new tugs,

Ocean Sun

and

Ocean Sky

, will join the

Ocean Wave

and

Ocean Wind in the Crowley fleet over the next two-

and

-a-half years,

and

further strengthen the company’s st

and

ing as an industry leader in ocean towing, salvage

and

offshore marine support for the upstream energy industry.

The new tugs will be outfitted for long-range, high-capacity, ocean towing, rig moves, platform

and

floating production, storage

and

offloading (FPSO) unit tows, emergency response

and

fire-fighting. They will be constructed at Bollinger Marine Fabricators LLC in Amelia, Louisiana, with all four vessels scheduled for delivery in 2011

and

2012.

They will be outfitted with twin-screw, controllable-pitch propellers in nozzles

and

high lift rudders for a combination of performance

and

fuel economy. The tugs also feature dynamic positioning technology (DP-1). The Caterpillar-supplied main engines

and

generators are all EPA Tier II compliant,

and

have the ability to be upgraded to meet future environmental st

and

ards, for cleaner emissions

and

a lower environmental impact. Further environmental protection is provided by the tugs’ double-hulls, which are designed to prevent any overboard discharges of fuel or fluids. All tanks containing liquids are inboard of the side shell.

“We are responding to customer dem

and

for best-in-class, safe, modern

and

environmentally friendly equipment by making a significant investment in these new tugs,” said Tom Crowley Jr., chairman, president

and

ceo. “These new boats will be workhorses for our valued upstream energy customers

and

for companies

and

government entities needing long-range, high-capacity, ocean towing along with salvage

and

emergency response support.”

Safety is of paramount importance to Crowley

and

the newly designed tugs will feature waterfall style winches, shark jaws

and

retractable pins that can all be controlled from the bridge, keeping the deck clear of personnel

and

reducing the risk of accidents. The tug design also features ergonomic accommodations

and

comforts proven to minimize fatigue

and

reduce injuries. Crowley subsidiary, Jensen Maritime Consultants assisted Crowley’s Ed Schlueter, vice president, vessel management,

and

a cross-functional team in the design of this new class of vessel.

The vessels will also hold Green Passports

and

will meet all SOLAS

and

ABS criteria,

and

including ABS Fi-Fi 1 fire-fighting st

and

ards,

and

will have the capability to support salvage

and

rescue towing opportunities, as well as the U.S. Navy’s SUPSALV Contract.