Crowley to Build Three 140-FT Z-Drive Tugs

Fleet Continues to Expand with Increased Market Demand

(Seattle, Wash.; January 4, 1999)—Crowley Marine Services (CMS) recently announced it will provide three new 140-ft. Prevention and Response Tugs (PRTs) under contract with the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company for use in Valdez Harbor and Prince William Sound, Alaska as part of its on-going fleet expansion and revitalization program.

 The PRTs are general-purpose tugs powered by twin Caterpillar 3612B engines generating 10,192 horsepower driving two Kamewa Aquamaster azimuthing thrusters. Estimated delivery of the first in the series is February 2000.

 “The PRTs are a welcome addition to our fleet,” said Tom Crowley, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corporation, the parent corporation of CMS. “These vessels are state-of-the-art examples of Crowley’s dedication to meet the present and future needs of our customers. We have made a strong commitment to expand our fleet with vessels and equipment that position us for leadership in the industry.”

 Each of the three PRTs will be built at Dakota Creek Shipyard in Anacortes, Washington, for Vessel Management Services, a Crowley Maritime Corporation subsidiary that owns and leases vessels to CMS. Guido Perla and Associates will serve as naval architects on the project. The vessels will 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, and two oil spill recovery skiffs with boom.

 Crowley Marine Services, Inc. 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 services provided by CMS and the joint venture Marine Response Alliance; U.S. west coast spill response services provided by the joint venture Clean Pacific; and all-terrain transportation.