Crowley Expands in Washington State with Acquisition of Mooring Company

U.S.-based shipping giant Crowley is making significant strides in the Pacific Northwest. The company has announced its acquisition of Main Line, a vessel mooring company located in Seattle. This strategic move aims to enhance Crowley’s operations at the ports of Seattle and Tacoma. With years of experience in vessel mooring services, Main Line is expected to bolster Crowley’s market position. The acquisition will allow Crowley to provide comprehensive solutions for ship operators who prioritize safety and reliability in their maritime operations.

Enhancing Harbor Services Capabilities

Crowley’s acquisition of Main Line is a pivotal step in expanding its harbor services capabilities. The company aims to offer a wider range of services for vessels calling at the Seattle and Tacoma ports. This includes enhanced mooring and ship assist solutions. James C. Fowler, Crowley Shipping’s senior vice president and general manager, emphasized the importance of this addition. He stated, “For decades, our customers have put their trust in Crowley to ensure their vessels arrive and depart ports safely and reliably.” The integration of vessel mooring services into Crowley’s existing offerings will ensure better coordination between mooring and ship assist operations. This, in turn, will provide customers with increased confidence that their vessels will dock and depart without delays or incidents.

Main Line, founded in 1995, will be fully absorbed into Crowley as part of the asset purchase agreement. While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Crowley’s operational capabilities in the region. Crowley has a long history in the Pacific Northwest, dating back to the 1920s. The company operates in major port complexes, including San Francisco Bay and the Los Angeles-Long Beach area. Currently, Crowley has seven tugs based in the Pacific Northwest, providing essential services to various types of vessels.

Chamber of Shipping of America Honors Crowley for Environmental Achievement

Strategic Importance of Seattle and Tacoma Ports

The ports of Seattle and Tacoma play a crucial role in U.S. international trade. Seattle, in particular, serves as a vital gateway for inbound cargo destined for the Midwest and East Coast. It is also a key export hub, with container liners operating routes to and from Asia, Europe, Latin America, Oceania, Africa, and the Caribbean. Tacoma complements this by operating five major container terminals that accommodate some of the world’s largest shipping lines. The Northwest Seaport Alliance, which oversees both ports, has reported a significant increase in container volumes. In November of last year, container traffic reached 290,210 TEU, marking a 26 percent increase compared to the previous year. Annualized volumes also rose by 12 percent, totaling 3 million TEU.

Crowley’s strategic acquisition of Main Line aligns with the growing demand for shipping services in the region. The company provides essential escort and docking services for various vessels, including tankers and containerships. The Pacific Northwest presents unique environmental and physical challenges for shipping, including extreme weather conditions. Crowley’s expertise in navigating these challenges positions it well to meet the needs of its customers. With the acquisition of Main Line, Crowley is poised to enhance its service offerings and strengthen its position in the competitive maritime industry.

Privately held Crowley reports an impressive annual revenue of $3.5 billion and operates over 170 vessels, primarily within the Jones Act fleet. The company employs approximately 7,000 people worldwide and has invested over $3.2 billion in maritime transport. In 2024, Crowley launched a new joint venture, Fairwater Holdings, with SEACOR, further expanding its capabilities in petroleum and chemical transportation. This acquisition and the ongoing investments highlight Crowley’s commitment to providing top-notch shipping solutions in the U.S. and beyond.