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Crowley Takes Delivery of First Prevention and Response Tug for Valdez

SEATTLE (February 3, 2000) – Crowley Marine Services (CMS) recently took delivery of the Alert, the first of three new 140-ft., 10,192 horsepower Prevention and Response Tugs (PRTs) under contract with the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company for use in Valdez Harbor and Prince William Sound, Alaska.

The PRTs are general purpose tugs powered by twin Caterpillar 3612B engines generating the combined 10,192 horsepower driving two Kamewa Aquamaster azimuthing thrusters. These tugs are also equipped for firefighting, emergency response and oil spill recovery. During sea trials, the Alert generated a certified bollard pull of 300,000 pounds and a free running speed in excess of 16 knots.

The Alert is specifically designed to meet or exceed the customers rigorous requirements, said Tom Crowley, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corporation, the parent corporation of CMS. Crowley is proud to continue its strong relationship with the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. We are very pleased to provide these and other outstanding new vessels to the Valdez fleet.

The three PRTs were designed by Seattle-based Guido Perla and Associates and built at Dakota Creek Shipyard in Anacortes, Washington for Vessel Management Services, a Crowley Maritime Corporation subsidiary that owns and leases vessels. The vessels have oil spill recovery and storage capability for up to 43,000 gallons of recovered oil. Design features include accommodations for up to 16 personnel, Schuyler fendering, a Markey TDS-40 towing winch, Step Warmfloor heated decking, 3,000 feet of oil recovery boom, and on-deck stowage for two oil spill recovery skiffs.

Crowley Marine Services, Inc., with U.S. West Coast operating headquarters in Seattle, 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. More information on Crowley Maritime Corporation and its subsidiaries can be found on the Internet at www.crowley.com.

Photo of Alert during sea trials by Pete Dickes.