Zero spills and zero incidents is good news for Crowley, its customers and the citizens who rely on responsible companies to keep Alaska's waterways clean.
In an informal presentation, Captain Jack Jensen, marine superintendent for Tesoro in Nikiski, presented crewmembers of Crowley's tug Vigilant with a third consecutive annual award recognizing their commitment to safety and the environment by concluding 2010 with zero spills and incidents.
The Vigilant is on long-term charter to Tesoro and is stationed in Cook Inlet, Alaska, where it provides ship assist and escort services for Tesoro operated tankers moving in and out of the Tesoro Refinery dock (KPL) in Nikiski, Alaska. Without regulatory requirement mandating it, Tesoro chose to station a tug in Cook Inlet year-round to provide a higher level of safety for their fleet carrying petroleum cargo.
"We are grateful for the recognition and remain committed to protecting Alaska's environment and communities," said Bruce Harland, Crowley's vice president of contract services in Alaska. "It's reassuring to know that we have a strong advocate of environmental stewardship in Tesoro. Our crewmembers continue to work tirelessly to ensure not only the safety of customers' assets but also the environment. Tesoro's proactive attitude in stationing a Crowley tug in Cook Inlet year-round shows a commitment on their part to protect Alaska's pristine waterways."
Additionally, Tim Plummer, vice president of Tesoro Maritime Company, presented similar awards to Crowley
harbor services personal at Crowley's Seattle office. Crowley previously had received the same honor in 2008 and 2009.
Through the partnership with Tesoro, the Vigilant also provides assists for ships and barges carrying Tesoro product and for other third party entities needing an extra measure of safety and security in the heavy ice conditions that plague Cook Inlet during winter.