Crowley’s Alaska-Bound 55,000-Barrel Petroleum Barge Launched at Greenbrier

Crowley’s new 55,000-barrel double-hulled petroleum barge has been launched at Greenbrier Marine in Portland, Oregon.

The Jones Act-compliant barge, named Qamun, has been specifically designed for the Alaska fuels market. It will be paired with the tug Aurora, which has been launched and is nearing completion at Master Boat Builders Inc., in Coden, Alaska. Delivery to Crowley is expected in April 2021.

A small group of representatives from Crowley and Greenbrier were in attendance for a the pared-down private launch and christening at Greenbrier’s facility in Portland.

Since 2007, Crowley and Greenbrier have teamed up to produce 10 heavy deck-strength barges to support offshore energy and other industries.

“We congratulate the men and women at Greenbrier and our company for reaching this milestone toward this innovative barge,” said Rick Meidel, vice president and general manager of Crowley Fuels Alaska. Meidel’s wife, Natalie Meidel, was invited to sponsor the 350-foot vessel.

“The Qamun, paired with Aurora, will bring a new generation of cost-efficient, sustainable service for Alaskan communities and business customers. Teams at Crowley and Greenbrier have worked hard together to ensure this vessel design and its construction delivers exceptional service to ensure, high quality, life-sustaining fuel supply continues to reach across the most remote parts of the state on-time,” Mr. Meidel added.

Crowley Engineering Services provided on-site construction management using a design powered by Jensen Maritime, its recently integrated naval architecture and marine engineering firm. The articulated tug-barge (ATB) was specifically designed to meet Ice Class and Polar Code requirements to operate safely and effectively in Western Alaska year-round. It features protections for the environment using energy efficient, lower emission engines and a first-of-its-kind lightering helmet to support safe and fast load rates. Its shallow draft will meet the fuel needs of Western Alaska, which depends on maneuverable and functional vessels for reliable supplying

Once completed, the ATB will be compliant with the Jones Act, a law requiring any vessel that ships goods between U.S. ports to be manufactured in the United States, and American operated.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Crowley on this important project. Our shared goal to supply the U.S. with dependable, high-quality marine products and services was demonstrated in our work together on this Jones Act-compliant barge,” said William A. Furman, Greenbrier Chairman and CEO. “The socially distanced barge launch was a resounding success, and I am pleased we were able to capture footage of the spectacle for those unable to attend.”

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