Crowley promotes John Ara to Vice President, Atlantic/Gulf Coast Commercial and Marine Operations

(HOUSTON, TX — January 9, 2008) Crowley Maritime Corporation announced today that John Ara has been promoted to vice president with responsibility for the company’s Atlantic/Gulf Coast commercial and marine operations business. He will remain domiciled in Houston and will report directly to John Douglass, senior vice president and general manager.

Ara, who most recently held the position of director, marine operations, will now have commercial responsibility for contract services as well as Gulf Coast marine operations.  His staff provides a myriad of services to customers, including remote offshore drilling support, ocean towing and transportation and other energy support services.

“John has consistently exceeded our expectations with the projects he handles.  He is customer focused and understands the intricacies of their business,” said Douglass.  “We are certain that this well-deserved promotion will allow him to further expand our commercial and marine operations business in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions.”

Ara is a 30-year Crowley veteran who began his career working as a dispatcher in San Pedro, Calif. He has held positions of increasing responsibility and high visibility throughout his career with Crowley, including time spent in San Juan, Puerto Rico as sales manager and in recent years he has had a large role in the company’s Sakhalin Island and Angola sealift projects. Ara is also the recipient of the 2000 Thomas Crowley Trophy, the company’s highest honor.

By Professional Mariner Staff