What Crew Members Say About Florida

On June 27, 2018, the U.S. Coast Guard initiated an investigation into a collision involving the tug "Ingot" and the double-hulled tanker "Florida" during a docking maneuver at the Valdez Marine Terminal. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has joined the inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Notably, the docking took place in calm weather conditions, raising critical questions about the preparedness of incoming crews on the newly assigned tugs. Tug operator Edison Chouest is in the midst of transitioning a decade-long contract from the established operator Crowley Marine, tasked with tanker-escort and spill-prevention operations at this key terminal, where North Slope crude oil is loaded onto tankers. This transition officially commenced on July 2. Edison is replacing Crowley’s 250-member workforce with its own teams and has constructed several new tugs and barges from its 48 shipyards for this critical task. The incident on the morning of June 27 resulted in the "Ingot" making contact with the "Florida," causing a dent measuring approximately 20 inches long, six inches wide, and three inches deep in the hull of the tanker. Following the collision, officials from the Coast Guard and the American Bureau of Shipping conducted thorough inspections of the tanker. They concluded that it was safe for oil loading and permitted the tanker to depart as scheduled on June 28 at 1 p.m., en route to Nikiski.

Crowley Maritime Corporation, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, has made headlines with its recent decision to sell two of its Jones Act tankers to Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE: KMP) for a substantial $270 million. The tankers, namely the MT Pennsylvania and MT Florida, each boast an impressive cargo capacity of 330,000 barrels. Since their introduction to service in 2012 and 2013, these vessels have been dedicated to long-term charters, efficiently transporting vital resources including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and crude oil. Despite the sale, Crowley has confirmed that it will retain management of the vessels, ensuring that there will be no alterations in crewing or operational procedures. Tom Crowley, the company’s chairman and CEO, expressed optimism regarding this strategic move, stating, "This transaction helps Crowley maintain a healthy balance in our capital program." He further elaborated on the company's commitment to its fleet, noting over $1.5 billion investment in new, domestically built tank vessels in recent years, which has resulted in a robust fleet comprising 17 articulated tug barges (ATBs) and four new 330,000 barrel tankers slated for delivery in 2015 and 2016. Under the newly established ship management agreement with Kinder Morgan, Crowley will continue to employ skilled sailors from the American Maritime Officers Union and Seafarers International Union, who have safely ensured the operation of these tankers since their launch. This sale marks a significant step for both companies in the evolving landscape of U.S. maritime transportation.

Crowley Maritime Corporation celebrated the christening of its latest tanker, the 'Florida', today at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. This impressive vessel, boasting a capacity of 330,000 barrels, is set to commence operations in the U.S. Gulf, catering to a significant energy client. The 'Florida' is the second tanker within a duo of American-built, operated, and crewed vessels that Crowley acquired last year from Aker. The glamorous event drew over 100 attendees, including Tom Crowley, the Chairman, President, and CEO of Crowley, alongside various friends, employees, and representatives from the shipyard, customer, and labor sectors. The ceremonial christening was conducted by Nina Glende Johnsen, the wife of Aker President and CEO Kristian Rokke. The 'Florida' is expected to generate 50 jobs for American seamen and shore-side personnel as it undertakes the vital task of transporting domestic oil to U.S.-based refineries. Its sister tanker, 'Pennsylvania', also purchased from Aker, has been operational in the U.S. Gulf since its delivery in September.