US-based Crowley took delivery of Aurora tug and Qamun barge from two separate shipyards and linked them together to form an ice-class ATB
This 125-m unit is the second ATB in Crowley’s fleet, after Aveogan and Oliver Leavitt, to be dedicated to the Alaska market. It has capacity to transport 55,000 barrels of clean products for Crowley Fuels, the company’s Alaska-based business unit.
“This purpose-built vessel was specifically designed by our inhouse naval architects to safely and effectively operate year-round in remote regions of western Alaska,” said Crowley Engineering Services vice president Ray Martus.
“Its advanced design and environmental protection features are tailored to the market needs and highlight Crowley’s dedication to sustainable vessel solutions in Alaska and beyond,” said Mr Martus.
Alabama-based Master Boat Builders constructed the tug, and the barge was built by Gunderson Marine in Portland, Oregon.
Aurora and Qamun meet ice class and polar code requirements, which include increased structural framing, shell plating and extended zero-discharge endurance with shallow water capability.
Propulsion includes main engines compliant with US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4 emissions reduction requirements driving Z-drive propulsion with bow thrusters for manoeuvrability in tight areas. It has a range of 6,900 km to access most locations in Alaska.
Crowley Fuels vice president and general manager Rick Meidel said the ATB’s “innovative design and environmental protection features continue to pave the way for improved fuel transportation services in Alaska for commercial and government customers.”
He said Aurora and Qamun will “enhance our efficiency and provide many years of safe and reliable service for our valued customers.”
Crowley operates and manages the largest US-flag petroleum and chemical tank vessel fleet, including 42 Jones Act-qualified large petroleum transportation vessels that carried nearly 570M barrels of product with more than 5,700 transfers in 2020.
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