Crowley Among First Carriers to Apply For Entrance into New Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Program

(Jacksonville, Fla.; July 16, 2002) – Crowley became one of the first ocean carriers, and the first U.S. carrier, to submit an application to join the U.S. Customs Services new program, Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).

The program, established as a result of the attack on the United States on Sept. 11, is designed to develop a more secure border environment by improving the security for the transportation of passengers, crew conveyances and cargo throughout the commercial process.

To do this, Crowley and U.S. Customs anticipate signing an agreement outlining a close working relationship. Crowley will, among other things, implement a verifiable, documented program to enhance security procedures throughout its supply chain process. And Customs will work with Crowley on a number of things, including the exchange of certain intelligence and conducting joint security surveys domestically and offshore. Once policies are in effect, imports by C-TPAT member companies would be given expedited processing at ports of entry.

“As a 110-year-old American company and the largest U.S. shipping company, we believed that it was important for us to be out front on this important counter-terrorism program,” said Tom Crowley Jr., Chairman, President and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corporation. “Working closely with Customs will not only help better secure our borders, but will also help our customers who want their goods shipped quickly and with the highest degree of security.”

As part of the agreement, Crowley will limit access to vessels while in port, conduct background checks and credential employees, establish procedures to safeguard its information systems from unauthorized use, visually inspect the interiors of empty containers prior to loading in foreign ports, and notify Customs of shippers, or cargoes, with irregular profiles. In addition, Crowley will search vessels, prepare a vessel search checklist and secure all areas prior to vessels arrivals at their first U.S. port, designate port and vessel liaisons for Customs to contact, and conduct unannounced security checks.

“As an original signatory to the U.S. Customs Super Carrier Initiative Agreement (SCIA) we have been conducting many of these security functions for years,” said Ed Alford, Crowley’s manager of security and safety. “Now though, C-TPAT will place added importance on border security and will complement SCIAs emphasis on drug and contraband interdiction.”

U.S. Customs Service Commissioner Robert C. Bonner said, “This marks the next step in our plan to join forces with the private sector and keep the avenues of the world economy free of terrorist infiltration.”

“The specter of terrorists using global commercial channels is a threat to all who benefit from world trade,” Bonner said. “It is not one nation that is the target of such an attack – it is the entire world economy. The international business community has a tremendous stake in the success of this program.”

Oakland-based Crowley Maritime Corp., founded in 1892, is primarily a family- and employee-owned company engaged in worldwide logistics, liner services, contract towing and transportation, energy support services, ship assist and escort services, vessel management and petroleum and chemical marine transport. Additional information about Crowley, its subsidiaries and business units may be found on the Internet at www.crowley.com.

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