Crowley owns and operates one of the most advanced fleets of ship assist and escort tugs in North America. These vessels operate along the U.S. West Coast and Alaska and assist the largest ships through some of the tightest waterways in the world. Crowley entered the ship assist business at the start of the 20th century, operating steam-powered tugs in San Francisco Bay in 1906. Though much has changed, the company’s commitment to safety and to protecting the environment has remained constant. Our history allows us to bring an unmatched level of experience to harbor towing and vessel escort.

The company-owned equipment sets the industry standard for innovation, with state-of-the-art tugs designed for performance and environmental stewardship. Crowley’s West Coast and Alaska ship assist and escort fleets meet and exceed general operating standards, and our fleet is ISO 9001-2000 and 14001 (environmental) certified.

Additionally, service at Crowley means 24-hour dispatch expertise in the wheelhouse, an experienced and helpful voice on the other end of the radio or phone and a fleet of nimble, powerful tugs at the ready. In Valdez, Alaska, Crowley and the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company have partnered for more than 25 years to provide the most comprehensive spill prevention and response services available for tankers traveling through the Price William Sound.

Service Details

Fleet Description
Quality and Certifications
Fleet Overview Video

We provide knowledgeable, skilled personnel and advanced tugs to:

• Safely assist all types of ships in and out of their berths, including small freighters, container ships, aircraft carriers and Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs)
• Escort oil tankers quickly and safely through shipping channels and environmentally sensitive waters
• Tow ships and other types of vessels
• Fight vessel fires
• Respond to fuel spills
• Work effectively in extreme climates and sea conditions