It is safe to say that Crowley’s designs have raised the bar and reset the standard for safety and performance in the petroleum transportation industry, while also providing customers with improved reliability and the ability to achieve lower delivered cost per barrel.  As part of our commitment to the Jones Act, we maintain the most active new build tank vessel program of any U.S. owner/operator.  We seek to design and build safer, more affordable alternatives to traditional vessels (tankers) for carrying petroleum products.

Each of Crowley’s 17 ATBs were the result of an extremely successful new build program in which we partnered with oil companies and shipyards.  These partnerships yielded a group of highly sophisticated tug-and-barge units specifically designed and equipped to handle a unique set of requirements.

550 Class

In 2002, we took delivery of four new double-hulled ATBs, the 550 class.  The first of their kind for Crowley, the focus for these 155,000-barrel capacity ATBs was to optimize their propulsion and hull design, while also improving the dynamic Intercon connection between the tug and barge.  The 550 class ATBs were the first in the industry equipped to achieve speeds of 12 knots and to safely handle extreme weather conditions.

650 Class

Next came the 650 class, the largest Crowley class, boasting 10 state-of-the-art vessels.  With the last one just completed in 2011, this class upgraded the carrying capacity to 185,000 barrels.  Additionally, their improved vessel cargo systems were designed to provide maximum flexibility and cargo integrity, while also allowing for transfer rates of up to 20,000 barrels per hour.  Despite their larger size, these vessels safely maintain 12 knots and can also safely handle extreme weather conditions.  All ten are on long-term charter to major oil companies.

750 Class

Most recently, Crowley took delivery of its first 750 class vessel in 2011.  This class will be comprised of three 330,000-barrel capacity tank vessels. These top-quality vessels were designed with features from the best of each of the preceding classes, and were built to exact customer specifications.  All three are committed to long-term charter with major oil companies.