A division of Crowley Maritime Corp. received the Department of Ecology's (Ecology) highest award today for excellence in tank-vessel marine safety and environmental stewardship. The Exceptional Compliance Program (ECOPRO) Award recognizes Crowley's Marine Transport Corp. subsidiary for its fleet of four articulated tug barges (ATBs). A specially equipped tug locks into a notch in the double-hulled barge's stern to create a single, hinged vessel. The set-up reduces the chances of the barge breaking loose and spilling oil, and provides a higher overall level of safety, reliability and efficiency. The voluntary spill-prevention program for tanker and tank-barge fleets requires member companies to meet 26 marine safety standards, among the world's most stringent.