Crowley Takes Delivery of Final Harbor-Class Tug

SEATTLE (July 21, 1999) Crowley Marine Services (CMS) took delivery of the final vessel in a series of six new Harbor-Class tractor tugs from Crowley subsidiary Vessel Management Services, Inc. (VMS), in early July. The Chief will be deployed in Puget Sound to perform ship assist and escort work.

“The Chief is the latest addition to our dedicated Harbor Services fleet in Puget Sound,” said Tom Crowley, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corporation. “The Harbor Class tugs have been very well received in the markets they serve and will continue to provide our customers with the most advanced technology available.”

The Chief was designed by Guido Perla and Associates and constructed by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland, Washington, for VMS. VMS has entered into a bareboat charter of the Chief to Crowley Marine Services.

Each of the six Harbor Class tugs features Voith Schneider twin cycloidal propulsion and a hydrofoil-shaped skeg that provides greatly improved steering, control, and seakeeping ability. In addition, the unique hydrodynamics of the hull result in increased tons of indirect steering and braking forces, which are available to assist or control a vessel at higher speeds. The 4,800 horsepower Chief is powered by two Caterpillar 3516-B engines, has a direct bollard pull of 111,500 pounds, a calculated indirect bollard pull in excess of 120 tons at 10 knots, and a free running speed of 14 knots.

Crowley Marine Services, Inc., with U.S. West Coast operating headquarters in Seattle, and U.S. East Coast and International operating headquarters Jacksonville, Fla., provides specialized marine transportation and logistics services on a worldwide basis, operating one of the worlds largest fleets of marine and related equipment. The companys primary services include tanker escort and ship assist; petroleum transportation and sales; contract barge transportation and ocean towing; logistics and support services; marine salvage and emergency response; and all-terrain transportation.