ANCHORAGE, AK. August 7, 1997. -- Alyeska Pipeline Service Company announced today that Crowley Marine Services has been selected to construct and operate two-10,000 horsepower tractor tugs for use as tanker escorts in Prince William Sound. The two Voith Schneider Propulsion (VSP) tractor tugs were designed by Crowley Marine Services specifically for use in the Trans Alaska Pipeline System trade and to work in the Alaskan environment. They will be the largest VSP tractor tugs in the world.

The new tugs join Alyeska's Ship Escort/Response Vessel System (SERVS) to escort tankers through Prince William Sound. The VSP system gives the tug exceptional maneuverability. The new vessels will also have fire fighting and oil spill response capabilities.

Delivery of the first tug is scheduled for early 1999. The tugs will be constructed by Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes, Washington and will cost 15 million dollars each.

These tugs are the culmination of a process that began over a year ago when Governor Tony Knowles initiated a work group to enhance safe transportation of oil in Prince William Sound. The work group included oil industry representatives, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, the United States Coast Guard, and the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council.

A letter of intent has been issued to Crowley Marine Services with a subsequent contract to be awarded following approval of contractual details by the TAPS Owners and the Crowley Board of Directors.

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