Crowley sells 1982-built tug to Island Tug & Barge

APRIL 29, 2015 — Shipbroker Marcon International, Inc, Coupeville, WA, reports that Crowley Marine Services, Inc. of Seattle has sold a second sister-tug of the Point Class to Island Tug & Barge Co., of Seattle, WA.

The sale of the ABS ✠ A1, Towing, ✠ AMS classed, 2,100 BHP shallow draft ocean towing/push tug Pt. Oliktok mirrors the transaction that Marcon brokered in 2013 between the two parties on the sister vessel ex-Pt. Barrow (see earlier story).

The three “Point Class” sister-tugs were specifically designed and built to work in the Arctic, where Crowley needed vessels specifically designed to perform both ocean and coastal tows and push its 200′ x 60′ flat deck barges in shallow waters around Prudhoe Bay.

The triple deck tugs were built in 1982 by the Dakota Creek Industries shipyard in Anacortes,  WA. 

The tug measures 90′ x 32′ with a depth of 11.2′ and light draft of 6.0′. Normal operating draft is about 8.5′ when loaded with about 60,000 gallons fuel, which gives the tug a decent towing range for coastal work. .

While the hull is all welded steel construction, the superstructure is aluminum.

Pt. Oliktok is powered by a pair of CAT 3512 diesels which provide about 2,110BHP to fixed pitch 4-blade stainless steel propellers in kort nozzles through Twin Disc 6.18:1 gears.

Bollard pull is about 23.5 short tons.

The tug is fitted with shaft brakes and was previously fitted with steering and flanking rudders, though the flanking rudders were removed by Crowley shortly after construction. The new owner is considering reinstalling flanking rudders for added maneuverability while pushing ahead.  

Towing gear consists of a single drum Smatco winch with a capacity of about 1,900′ 1.75″ wire, a hydraulic tow pin assembly aft and two hydraulic barge winches forward just aft of the vertical push knees. 

Marcon International acted as sole broker in the transaction and has handled dozens of sales and purchases over the years for the buyer and over 100 for the seller. So far this year, Marcon has concluded a total of nine sales and charters, with several additional sales pending and expected to close shortly.