Crowley Debuts 95-Ton Bollard Pull Tug for LA-Long Beach Ports
The 82-foot Venture, built in the U.S., joins Crowley’s West Coast fleet to assist mega-vessels in San Pedro Bay.
Crowley has expanded its fleet with the addition of the Venture, a new 82-foot tug designed to enhance ship assist and escort operations in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Built by Diversified Marine, Inc. on the Columbia River, the vessel was recently delivered to support maritime activities in one of the nation’s most critical trade hubs.
The Venture is equipped with twin Caterpillar 3516 engines that meet EPA Tier IV emissions standards, generating over 6,000 horsepower. Its advanced propulsion system, featuring azimuth stern drive thrusters, allows the tug to deliver up to 95 tons of bollard pull, providing the power and precision needed to safely maneuver some of the largest vessels navigating North American waters.
The Role of High-Performance Tugs in San Pedro Bay: Crowley
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach form the busiest container port complex in the United States, handling a significant portion of the nation’s maritime trade. Tugs like the Venture play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of cargo ships through the congested waters of San Pedro Bay. Their ability to assist with docking, undocking, and escorting vessels is essential for maintaining uninterrupted operations in this high-traffic gateway.
John Ara, vice president of marine services at Crowley, highlighted the strategic value of the new tug in a recent statement:
“Venture strengthens our ship assist and escort capabilities in Los Angeles and Long Beach, providing the capacity and performance to help advance trade through this key corridor. Its advanced maneuverability and powerful engines allow us to meet the demands of some of the largest vessels calling on the West Coast, while supporting our commitment to safe, efficient harbor operations.”
John Ara·Vice President of Marine Services at Crowley
Compliance and Sustainability in Maritime Operations
The Venture was constructed in compliance with the Jones Act, which mandates that vessels transporting goods between U.S. ports be built domestically and operated by American crews. This ensures that Crowley’s operations align with federal regulations while supporting the U.S. shipbuilding industry and maritime workforce.
In addition to regulatory compliance, the tug’s EPA Tier IV-compliant engines reflect Crowley’s efforts to reduce emissions in port operations. The Venture joins a growing fleet of environmentally conscious vessels, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability in maritime services.
The new tug will operate alongside Crowley’s existing West Coast fleet, which includes sister vessels such as the Athena, Apollo, Hercules, and Artemis. With its advanced capabilities, the Venture is expected to enhance Crowley’s ability to serve the evolving needs of the San Pedro Bay port complex, ensuring reliable and efficient support for global trade.
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