Crowley tug Nachik christened in Seward, Alaska

(Jacksonville, Fla.; May 12, 2009) – Nome Mayor Denise Michels and a few hundred guests gathered at the Small Boat Harbor in Seward, Alaska, on Saturday to celebrate the christening of Crowley’s newest tug – the Nachik (NAH-chick).

The christening marks Crowley’s continuous commitment to provide the safest and most environmentally sound vessel services in Alaska. Later this month, the company will take delivery of its sister vessel, the Sesok (SEE-sock). Crowley has invested in these two IKKAT (Ick-cut) class vessels specifically to support Alaska shallow draft challenges and to enhance environmental and safety presence in Alaska waters.

“Today, as we celebrate the christening of the Nachik, rest assured that Crowley is committed to continued reinvestment in new equipment and vessels that ensure safe and environmentally sound transportation throughout Alaska’s pristine waterways,” said Craig Tornga, Crowley’s vice president of petroleum distribution in Anchorage, Alaska, during the christening.

The Nachik, which means “hair seal” in the Alaska Native Inupiaq language, was jointly designed by Crowley and Diversified Marine. The Nachik is a 1,362 horsepower triple-screw diesel powered tug equipped to safely propel petroleum/freight barges in river systems throughout Alaska.

Crowley’s Alaska shallow draft tugs are designed to operate in Alaska’s rivers and coastal regions where operations are challenging due to restricted drafts and a lack of docking infrastructure. These boats are outfitted for both barge handling and ocean towing service. Designed with raised pilothouses, the 1,362 horsepower tugs are equipped to safely maneuver fuel/freight barges throughout the state.

“We’re excited about the new construction of this unique fleet of vessels which was designed for Western Alaska to provide safe transport in our rivers and along our coastline. We value Crowley’s commitment to improve transportation services in an environmentally sound manner,” said Nome Mayor Denise Michels, who was honored to christen the new tug.

Since 1953, Crowley has provided various marine, petroleum distribution, and energy support services in Alaska – from the North Slope to Southcentral Alaska and both coastal and inland communities including those along the Kuskokwim and Yukon Rivers – and today has offices and operations throughout the state with more than 650 employees.

During the past half century, Crowley has consistently provided unique solutions to Alaska’s logistics and marine transportation challenges and played an important role in Alaska’s business development and in protecting its environment. The company began handling fuel and freight in 1896 as Black Navigation, sailing in Prince William Sound and expanding service to the Yukon and Tanana Rivers in 1916.

Jacksonville-based Crowley Holdings Inc., a holding company of the 117-year-old Crowley Maritime Corporation, is a privately held family and employee-owned company that provides diversified transportation and logistics services in domestic and international markets by means of six operating lines of business: Puerto Rico/Caribbean Liner Services, Latin America Liner Services, Logistics Services, Petroleum Services, Marine Services and Technical Services. Offered within these operating lines of business are the following services: liner container shipping, logistics, contract towing and transportation; ship assist and escort; energy support; salvage and emergency response; vessel management; vessel construction and naval architecture; government services, and petroleum and chemical transportation, distribution and sales. Additional information about Crowley its subsidiaries and business units may be found on the Internet at www.crowley.com.

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