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Crowley Marine Services says that it will not be providing oil spill prevention and response services in Valdez and Prince William Sound when its contract expires June 30, 2018. Crowley has provided marine services in Prince William Sound since 1990.

Despite bidding for the SERVS contract extension, Crowley was not chosen by Alyeska Marine Services to retain the entire scope of the current contract.

"We bid this contract very aggressively and are extremely disappointed that we were not selected to retain this business," said Tom Crowley, company chairman and CEO. "We have been assured that this outcome is the result of a very competitive landscape and is not a reflection of Crowley's qualifications or record. We will continue to work constructively with Alyeska through the duration of our contract. Crowley and Alyeska agree that there is nothing more important than the continued protection of Prince William Sound."

"While it is difficult to fully convey our disappointment, we remain completely committed to upholding the tremendous responsibility we have to protect Valdez and Prince William Sound," commented Rocky Smith, Crowley senior vice president and general manager, petroleum distribution and marine services. "Over the next couple of years, we will look for opportunities to redeploy our Valdez personnel and marine assets in new endeavors when our contract expires."

Crowley has been under contract with Alyeska since the inception of SERVS in 1990. Even before SERVS was formed, Crowley provided tanker docking services in Valdez beginning with the startup of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in 1977.

"Crowley is fully committed to continued professional service and full compliance as the marine service provider until the end of June 2018, and will be engaged in any transition process," the company said.