SAKHALIN ISLAND PROJECT

In February, Exxon Mobil Development and partners selected Crowleys Energy and Marine group to provide marine logistics to support their initial delivery of supplies and set up to commence drilling activities at the remote Chayvo Beach site on Sakhalin Island in the Russian Far East.

The Chayvo site is an exposed beachhead that is subject to severe weather cycles and fast sea ice in the winter. This year was no exception and went down as one of the worst weather seasons on record. During the operating season there were no less than four typhoons and ice began to form the third week of November.

The fleet required for the 2002 Sealift included four 400x100-foot barges, four ocean going tugs, a small lighter tug to assist in the beaching operation and a myriad of support equipment.

The transit of the fleet and supplies from Seattle, Wash., to the site required about three weeks with a fuel stop in Dutch Harbor, Alaska.

The initial departure from Seattle was delayed until June 26 as crews awaited Russian regulatory approval. Further regulatory delays were experienced on arrival to Chayvo Beach forcing the beaching operation to the end of August.

In addition to the equipment and vessel crews, 84 Crowley and contract personnel were mobilized to assist in the unloading process, operation of equipment, cargo handling, administrative, communications and safety support.

One of the four barges was specially outfitted and designated as the "Dock Barge." It was placed on the beach and ballasted and anchored in position. Upon completion of the Dock Barge's discharge each of the other three barges was brought alongside for unloading. Once each barge was unloaded it was dispatched to the southern Sakhalin port of Korsakov to lift additional cargo.

There was a great deal of forward preparation to meet all the Russian regulatory requirements which included laborious individual visa preparation, establishing a Russian Branch of Crowley and acquiring necessary permits, including cabotage waivers to move cargo within the Russian Federation.

With the short lead-time and intense build up for the mobilization, personnel were recruited and volunteered from several Crowley divisions and departments.

On November 30th the ice build up and weather conditions finally precluded further beach operations and the fleet moved to Korsakov for initial demobilization.