Crowley's petroleum services group has
taken delivery of its newest tug, Avik, to serve in the company's oil
transportation and distribution fleet. The 76-foot tug was designed by
Crowley's Vessel Management Services team and built by Dakota Creek
Industries in Anacortes, Wash. It was delivered on June 3rd and has been put
into service in Alaska.
The purpose-built tug was designed for both shallow water and ocean towing
operations. It features a raised bridge for improved visibility, an electric
tow winch for
coastal towing and fendered push knees for river or beaching
operations. The Avik is powered by three Caterpillar 3406E diesel engines
generating 1,350 HP.
It will handle barges transporting fuel and general cargo to communities in
Alaska where shallow water and lack of docking facilities is common. In
those cases, tugs and barges make a beach landing to load and unload cargo.
"The Avik will provide improved versatility and service reliability for
Crowley's Alaska operations," said Bruce Barto, vice president & general
manager, petroleum services. "This boat is designed to operate in moderate
open-water weather conditions, and is equally suitable for river and near
shore operations."
It also incorporates environmentally friendly features such as engines that
meet IMO emissions requirements, on board holding tanks to retain treated
sewage, electric deck machinery instead of hydraulic and
fuel tanks
surrounded by void spaces to minimize the chance of fuel spills.
Crowley's petroleum services group is also adding another vessel to its
fleet. Barge 180-1, also being built by Dakota Creek, is scheduled for
delivery in July. This 180-foot combination tank and deck cargo barge will
be the first double-hull tank barge constructed specifically for Alaska
service. It features a dual anchor system, coated cargo tanks, a
pedestal-mounted deck crane, portable cargo ramps and onboard oil spill
response equipment. The 180-1 will operate in either a push mode or as a
conventional towed unit.
"We are excited about these new vessels and about providing improved service
levels to our customers", said Barto. "They are very visible reminders of
Crowley's long-standing commitment to Alaska".
Vessel Management Services, part of Crowley's corporate services segment,
designs, engineers, constructs and maintains ownership of new vessels for
charter. Its mission is to provide technologically advanced equipment to
serve the needs of the industry in general and Crowley in particular. Over
the years, it has built some of the most advanced tugs and articulated tug
barges (ATBs) in the world, which are now deployed by Crowley along the West
Coast from California to Alaska.