Bollinger presents Crowley with tug model

In a ceremony held at Crowley’s Jacksonville, Fla., office, Bollinger executive vice president, new construction, Chris Bollinger, recently presented a model of the new Ocean class tug to Crowley’s, president, chairman and CEO, Tom Crowley.

“We are pleased to unveil this model of the new Ocean class design for Crowley, as they expand their fleet with additional high-quality tugs to meet the needs of their clients.  We look forward to the delivery and christening of the Ocean Wave and sister ships Ocean Wind, Ocean Sun and Ocean Sky,” said Mr. Bollinger.
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Crowley has contracted with Bollinger to build four tugs of the new Ocean class design. The first vessel is scheduled to be delivered from Bollinger Marine Fabricators in the fourth quarter of 2011.

“We are continuing to make the investments necessary to address the needs of our customers who are looking for best-in-class, modern and environmentally friendly equipment,” said Crowley chairman, president and CEO Tom Crowley Jr. “Crowley has always been an industry leader in tug design, technology and performance, and these new vessels are a reflection of our continued commitment to that.”

The Ocean class towing vessel is a new design with a length of 146-ft (44.4m), breadth of 46-ft (14m)  and depth of 26-ft (7.92m), dynamic positioning (DP-1), powered by two Caterpillar C-280-12 Tier II engines, developing 10,880 BHP and have the ability to be upgraded to Tier III or IV, to meet future environmental standards. The vessels are outfitted with twin-screw, controllable-pitch propellers in nozzles and high lift rudders for a combination of performance and fuel economy for towing and anchor handling.  The hull is double-hulled, which is designed to prevent any overboard discharges of fuel or fluids. All tanks containing liquids are inboard of the side shell. The vessels are classed Maltese Cross A-1, Towing and AMS, USCG, SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Fi-Fi 1 firefighting standards, Green Passport, International Load Line Certificate.

The design also features ergonomic accommodations and comforts proven to minimize fatigue and reduce injuries of the crew. The vessels are a unique design that is a combined effort from Bollinger’s engineering department, Crowley subsidiary Jensen Maritime Consultants and Crowley’s Vessel Management Services.

Bollinger and Crowley team members unveil a model of the new Ocean class tug with the new Crowley color scheme – left to right: Bill Pennella, Crowley vice chairman and executive vice president; Rocky Smith, Crowley senior vice president and general manager, petroleum distribution and marine services; Lawson Hitt, Bollinger program manager; Tom Crowley, Crowley president, chairman and CEO; Chris Bollinger, Bollinger executive vice president new construction; Lynn Falgout, Bollinger vice president and general manager; Ed Schlueter, Vessel Management Services vice president; Daniel Cavalier, Vessel Management Services, senior naval architect; Todd Busch, Crowley senior vice president and general manager, technical services; and John Douglass, Crowley senior vice president and general manager, Puerto Rico and Caribbean liner services.

April 25, 2011