New Tank Farm in Bethel, Alaska On Target For October Opening
2003-07-01
(BETHEL, Alaska; July 1, 2003) Crowleys new tank farm in Bethel, Alaska, being built on property owned by Bethel Native Corporation, is progressing as planned towards an October completion date. The facility will be capable of storing about five million gallons of bulk petroleum products including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, heating oil and regular unleaded gasoline.
The complex, being built by Anchorage-based Rockford Corporation, will support commercial, aviation, government and individual consumers in Bethel and outlying villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region of southwestern Alaska. The facility will support year-round local fuel sales and delivery activities in the community of Bethel and will also serve seasonal fuel and general cargo barge delivery services to outlying villages.
Theres a lot excitement about the tank farm and Crowleys continuing commitment in this marketplace, said Jim Dwight, Director of Sales. Crowley has provided marine transportation services and petroleum product sales in this market for many years. This significant new investment will allow us to further improve the scope and quality of services to our valued customers.
The opening of the new tank farm will continue Crowleys strong commitment to environmental protection and health and safety performance.
The tank farm is state of the art in terms of environmental protection, explained Stephen Wilson, Manager of Health, Safety and Environmental Affairs. Weve taken every precaution to ensure a safe operation. The facility features a redundant containment system to protect against soil and groundwater contamination, a cathodic (corrosion) protection system, automatic tank level control and overfill devices and sophisticated piping, pump and valve arrangements to control and manage product receipts and deliveries. The tank farm will include a tank truck loading rack, pump house and office, and will be staffed by Crowley employees.
Crowley has owned or operated similar facilities at Nome, Kotzebue and Captains Bay, near Dutch Harbor, since the 1970s. The company transports and delivers bulk petroleum products to about 150 coastal and river villages throughout Alaska. Crowley also positions floater barges in Bristol Bay to supply fuel and consumables to the commercial herring and salmon fishing and processing industry.
The company began operations in Alaska in 1953, and this year is celebrating its 50th anniversary of service to the people and businesses of the state.
Crowleys Alaska fuel sales and distribution business is part of the companys petroleum and chemical distribution and transportation services segment. Oakland-based Crowley Maritime Corp., founded in 1892, is primarily a family- and employee-owned company engaged in worldwide logistics, liner services, contract towing and transportation, energy support services, ship assist and escort services, vessel design and construction management, and petroleum and chemical distribution and transportation services. Additional information about Crowley, its subsidiaries and business units may be found on the Internet at www.crowley.com.