Crowley - Experts & Thought Leaders

Columbia Group (Columbia Ship Management) and Crowley have signed a strategic cooperation agreement that broadens both companies’ ship management solutions for customers, leveraging their extensive, industry-renowned expertise across the maritime, logistics and energy sectors. Under the alliance, customers will be able to capitalise on the capabilities of both organisations for more efficient and greater scale of international management services. Columbia and Crowley form strategic alliance “Driving modern innovation and growth requires partnership, and we are excited about providing even larger value in management, service and supplies for customers by jointly leveraging the long, extensive capabilities and expertise offered by Crowley and Columbia Group as ship managers,” said James C. Fowler, the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Crowley Shipping. James C. Fowler adds, “With our two safety-focused organisations, customers will be able to receive the tailored, scalable solutions they need through the global footprint of international vessel services by Columbia Group and Crowley’s strong legacy focused across supply chains for U.S., Latin America and Caribbean markets.” Initial focus areas include ship management services The full spectrum of Columbia Group and Crowley’s maritime services will be offered to clients In creating a formidable force in maritime solutions, the full spectrum of Columbia Group and Crowley’s maritime services will be offered to existing and new clients. Initial focus areas will include ship management services, vessel performance optimisation and strategic procurement support for ship owners. “This partnership heralds a significant opportunity for both Columbia Group and Crowley to elevate our services and cater to the evolving needs of our customers,” said Mark O’Neil, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President, Columbia Group. Partnership to drive transformative change Mark O’Neil adds, “By synergising our strengths and similar values, Columbia Group and Crowley are poised to deliver unparalleled value and drive transformative change in the Americas market.”

Extending its trusted relationship with the U.S. Government, Crowley announces the award by U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) of a $ 2.3 billion, seven-year contract to continue serving the military’s transportation and logistics needs under the Defense Freight Transportation Services program. Crowley was awarded the original Defense Freight Transportation Services (DFTS I) contract in 2017. One of the largest logistics contracts under the federal government, DFTS encompasses all forms of surface transportation throughout the continental U.S., Alaska and Canada, including less than truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), expedited, time definite and rail services as well as cross-docking and warehousing. Critical transportation service “There is no greater honor than to serve the logistics needs of our nation’s military service members with the trust of the U.S. Department of Defense. The lasting partnership built with USTRANSCOM is a privilege that the people at Crowley never take lightly as we ensure an efficient and effective supply chain for the military and other agencies’ needs,” said Ray Fitzgerald, Chief Operating Officer, Crowley. “We are humbled and immensely proud to continue delivering this critical transportation service for America’s defense safely and reliably.” Small business contracting Crowley will also continue to utilize small businesses and diverse suppliers that help drive investment During its ongoing DFTS services, Crowley has received multiple high-performance ratings from USTRANSCOM and praise from the Defense Logistics Agency, and the company put in place technology solutions to maximise freight transportation efficiency and value. As it enters the new contract (DFTS II), Crowley will also continue to utilise small businesses and diverse suppliers that help drive investment and resiliency in communities coast to coast, exceeding $600 million in diverse small business contracting. Crowley grew its network of carriers and suppliers by over 500%, tripling minimum capacity needed to effectively service 300,000 movements annually of critical equipment and supplies.

The ABB-powered all-electric tug eWolf has been christened this week at the Port of San Diego, California, marking a new chapter in vessel electrification in the United States. Owned and operated by Crowley, eWolf features an end-to-end electric propulsion system from ABB including a 6.2-megawatt-hour energy storage system (ESS). This allows the vessel to achieve 70 short tons of bollard pull with zero emissions and complete a full day of work on a single charge. Given electricity is cheaper to produce on shore than onboard a vessel, the ESS also minimises operating costs. The eWolf The eWolf will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the port area of San Diego, replacing a tug that consumed over 30,000 gallons of diesel per year. Collaboration with ABB The vessel was designed by Crowley’s engineering services group in collaboration with ABB Crowley selected ABB as the full systems integrator for eWolf. The vessel was designed by Crowley’s engineering services group in collaboration with ABB and built by Alabama-based Master Boat Builders, Inc. It was delivered in January 2024. The eWolf was developed through a partnership among the Port of San Diego, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Maritime Administration. eWolf’s ground-breaking design "The eWolf’s ground-breaking design and innovative technology is a milestone for the entire maritime industry, showing that high performance and zero-emissions can serve ship operators’ modern supply chain needs," said Cole Van Gundy, Vice President, Crowley Engineering Services.  Cole Van Gundy adds, "The first all-electric ship assist tug was achieved through collaboration that spanned across the industry and government sectors, showing the power of public-private partnerships to produce the advances that will lead the cleaner, more powerful future in maritime." Maritime Clean Air Strategy "We’re thrilled to see the first all-electric tug in the U.S. enter into service in the Port of San Diego as it checks off a signature goal of our Maritime Clean Air Strategy," said Chairman - Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.  Frank Urtasun adds, "The eWolf adds to the work the Port and our partners are doing to significantly reduce emissions on and around San Diego Bay and demonstrates our commitment to clean, efficient maritime operations." ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot products ABB supplied its award-winning Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution platform for optimised energy use In addition to the ESS, ABB supplied its award-winning Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution platform for optimised energy use, the ABB Ability™ Marine Diagnostic system for continuous preventive and predictive monitoring of equipment, and ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot products to enhance safety and reduce crew workload.  Pilot Vision situational awareness provides 360-degree visibility from the pilot’s station, while Pilot Control enables manoeuvering support. ABB’s scope of supply also covered transformers, propulsion motors, azimuthing thrusters, and low-voltage switchboards alongside design support, engineering, project management, and commissioning. Development of eWolf "At ABB, we are pioneering full systems integration and advancing the adoption of electric, digital, and connected technologies in the maritime industry," said Bruce Strupp, Vice President Marine Systems US & Canada, ABB Marine & Ports. Bruce Strupp adds, "We pioneered the first fully electric ferries built in the United States and have now successfully delivered the country’s first electric tug. We are thrilled to have collaborated with Crowley Engineering Services on the development of eWolf from concept to delivery. Crowley’s values are well in line with our own as we continue working towards maritime decarbonisation while maintaining crew safety. The collaboration was therefore a great success."