On March 6, Crowley Maritime launched and christened the Qamun, a 55,000-bbl. shallow draft double hull ATB petroleum tank barge (ATB) built by Greenbrier Marine, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greenbrier Companies Inc.
The 350'x88'x23' ATB petroleum barge specifically designed for the Alaska fuels market, will be paired with the 108' tug Aurora, which has been launched and is nearing completion at Master Boat Builders Inc., Coden, Ala. Delivery is expected in April. Once construction is completed, the ATB will head to Alaska to deliver clean fuel products in the western part of the state.
The 410' ATB will be able to operate in ice and temperature conditions common during the Alaska winters. It will have a range of 4,300 miles and be able to access most locations in Alaska, including those in waters as shallow as nine feet.
The ATB has an improved design speed of 9 knots at Beaufort Force 4. It incorporates modern technologies like Z-drive propulsion, Tier 4 engines, and has been equipped with 400-hp bowthrusters to maximize maneuverability in tight areas. Additionally, ship fenders and a specialized coupling system with a first-of-its-kind lightering helmet, allow for ship-to-ship lightering at a load rate of 6,000-bbls. per hour. The vessel’s double anchor system allows her to move close to the beach to reach undeveloped port and village sites.
The ATB was specifically designed to meet Ice Class and Polar Code requirements to safely and effectively operate in Western Alaska year-round. The vessel can operate in winter ice conditions and temperatures as low as -20 degrees.
The barge's 55,000-bbls. of oil cargo are carried in 10 tanks.
The 108'x46'x16' tug Aurora has tankage for 81,150 gals. of fuel oil and 7,135 gals. fresh water.
Crowley Engineering Services provided on-site construction management using an Alaska-specific design by Jensen Maritime, its recently integrated naval architecture and marine engineering firm.
"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.
"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. "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."
