Crowley plans double-hull barges

Crowley plans double-hull barges    Crowley Maritime said it plans to construct two double-hulled, combination deck cargo and tank barges for service in Alaska.
   The barges are to be delivered in April and May of 2011, and will be home ported in Nome, Alaska.
   The double-hull barges will be used for shallow-draft operations and beach landings for the delivery of fuel and cargo to the remote communities of western Alaska.
   “The hull was rigorously designed for use in Western Alaska, with the highest priority given for the safety of the personnel and the environment,' Crowley said. 'Adding to the double-hull feature, the barges will be fit with Tier II pumps and generators, electric winches and deck machinery to lessen the potential of hydraulic oil spills.”
   The company plans to retire some older fuel and freight vessels as it brings the new double-hull vessels to Alaska.
   “Our reputation rests on our service to western Alaska and along the Arctic Coast, and we’re making the commitment to protect Alaska’s environment by choosing to build double-hull barges versus single hulls,” said Craig Tornga, Crowley’s vice president of Alaska operations.
   Dakota Creek Industries, in Anacortes, Wash., is building the barges, and Crowley’s Jensen Maritime is providing the engineering support to the shipyard for the final detailed design.