Crowley Dedicates Double-Hull Tank Barge 180-1 to Alaska Service

(Anchorage, Alaska; May 13, 2005) – Crowley Marine Services has deployed the first double-hull tank barge dedicated to the Alaska service. Barge 180-1, which was delivered late last year, will load a cargo of petroleum products in Anchorage early next week. Crowley’s tug Sinuk has been assigned to tow the new barge, which is designed to carry both deck cargo and about 12,000 barrels of refined petroleum products. The vessel’s primary mission will be to perform remote site and village deliveries in southwestern and western Alaska.

In addition to being double-hulled, barge 180-1 is equipped with a dual anchoring system, two independent piping systems for handling multiple grades of petroleum products, and coated cargo tanks. The deck cargo area features a containment fence, hydraulic crane and portable cargo ramps. The barge also features 1,300 feet of float hose on a reel and a complement of support equipment including oil spill response resources. A skiff aboard the tug Sinuk supports beach landings.

“This vessel, coupled with the 2004 launching of the tug Avik, reflects Crowley’s continued commitment to Alaska,” said Bruce Barto, vice president and general manager, petroleum services. “This new generation of equipment will allow us to continue Crowley’s tradition of providing innovative, safe and environmentally responsible marine transportation services.”

One of Crowley’s primary businesses in Alaska encompasses transportation, distribution and sales of bulk petroleum products, propane and packaged petroleum products. The company utilizes a mix of offshore and shallow-draft vessels for marine requirements. Crowley also owns and/or operates marine and petroleum terminals in Kotzebue, Nome, Bethel and Dutch Harbor. Delivery services are provided to numerous coastal and inland river communities ranging from southeast Alaska to the Arctic.

Crowley Marine Services is a subsidiary of Oakland-based Crowley Maritime Corporation, which was founded in 1892. Crowley Marine Services petroleum transportation, distribution and sales activities in Alaska are included in the corporations oil and chemical transportation and distribution segment. The corporation is primarily family and employee owned, and is 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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