Crowley Orders Articulated Tug-Barge for Alaska Operations

US-based marine solutions and services company Crowley has ordered a 55,000-barrel, articulated tug-barge (ATB) that would distribute clean fuel products on the Western Alaska market.

The 410-foot ATB will be used provide marine delivery services during the short open-water season.

Crowley said the tug would be constructed by Master Boat Builders while the barge would be built by Gunderson Marine. The ATB is expected to be delivered in January 2021.

The tug and barge are designed with shallow operating draft, allowing the vessel to serve several Alaska river terminals with limited water depths.

Additionally, the ATB will feature the capability to perform nearshore ship-to-ship cargo transfers.

“Our new ATB will continue Crowley Fuels’ long-standing commitment to provide Alaska with safe and dependable marine transportation to serve the energy needs of the state,” Rick Meidel, vice president and general manager, Crowley Fuels, said.

This new ATB will follow the completion of Crowley’s 100,000-barrel ATB now finishing construction at Bollinger Shipyards. The ATB will be in service under charter in Alaska to Petro Star Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC).