Dutch Harbor, AK – May 18, 2013 – Three years ago Nikolski’s fuel supplier suspended all deliveries to this small village located 100 miles southwest of Dutch Harbor. Regional Community Development Quota group Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association contacted Vitus to see if an alternate supplier could fill the gap. Vitus was able to make a late fall delivery in 2011 and is now in its third year of continued service providing much needed freight and fuel to Nikolski. Larry Cotter, APICDA CEO, said “This is a vital service that Vitus Marine provides the community of Nikolski. Without Vitus Marine, the cost of fuel would be significantly more expensive and the community could once again experience prolonged periods of no fuel whatsoever.”

The Vitus tug and barge are a unique design. They are mechanically joined together to form an Articulated Tug and Barge (ATB) set, which can more safely navigate the narrow passage into protected beach in Mueller Cove. Vitus Operations Manager Stacey Smith says “Historically all tug an

Eagle on Tug Cavek

d barges entering these challenging waters leading to the village of NIkolski had to transit with the barge on a towline. Any deviation from the restricted and unforgiving route could result in damage to the barge from rocky outcroppings, an unfortunate and common occurrence.”