Crowley, Greenbrier Launch New Alaska Fuel Barge

Double-hulled petroleum tank barge
Double-hulled petroleum tank barge
Greenbrier Marine and Crowley Maritime have launched a 55,000 BBL shallow draft a double-hulled petroleum tank barge designed specifically for the Alaska fuels market. Photo: Crowley

Oregon-based ocean-going vessel manufacturer Greenbrier Marine and transportation and logistics company Crowley Maritime have launched Qamun (pronounced Ka-moon), a 55,000 BBL shallow draft a double-hulled petroleum tank barge designed specifically for the Alaska fuels market.

The ATB was built by Greenbrier Marine, while Crowley Engineering Services provided on-site construction management using an Alaska-specific design by Jensen Maritime, its naval architecture and marine engineering subsidiary.

The 350-foot barge will be paired with the tug Aurora being constructed by Alabama-based Master Boat Builders Inc. Delivery to Crowley is expected in April 2021.

Representatives from Crowley and Greenbrier participated in a small, private launch on March 6 at Greenbrier’s Portland, Oregon facility. All attendees performed the short christening ceremony socially distanced on the barge deck, and rode the barge into the water together – the first time a launch had been observed at Greenbrier Marine in this way.

Qamun’s construction continues a Crowley-Greenbrier relationship that has produced 10 previous, heavy deck-strength barges since 2007 to support offshore energy and other industries.

“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,” Greenbrier Chairman and CEO William A. Furman said.

The ATB was specifically designed to meet requirements to safely and effectively operate in Western Alaska year-round while providing protections for the environment using energy efficient, lower emission propulsion.

According to Greenbrier, Qamun can operate in winter ice conditions and temperatures as low as minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit, and its shallow draft will meet the needs of Western Alaska, which depends on maneuverable and functional vessels for reliable supplying.

Greenbrier Marine barges are compliant with the Jones Act, which requires any vessel that ships goods between U.S. ports to be manufactured in the United States, and American operated.

“We congratulate the men and women at Greenbrier and our company for reaching this milestone toward this innovative barge,” Crowley Fuels Vice President and General Manager Rick Meidel said. “The Qamun, paired with Aurora, will bring a new generation of cost-efficient, sustainable service for Alaskan communities and business customers.”