FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 1, 2002

JENNIFER BOES, 302.672.6811

(Wilmington, Del.) -- Governor Ruth Ann Minner joined Wilmington Tug President H. Hickman Rowland, Jr. and more than 250 guests this evening at the Port of Wilmington to help christen the Capt. Harry, the latest addition to the Wilmington-based company's fleet of tug boats. Guests included Port of Wilmington Director Adam McBride, Delaware Economic Development Office Director John D. Wik, the naval architect for the new tug, the tug's builder, customers, and family members.

The expansion of Wilmington Tug, the only Delaware-owned ship docking company on the Delaware River, is closely connected to the substantial growth of Delaware's shipping industry. Between 1995 and 2000, total business revenue for companies providing services at the Port of Wilmington grew from $112 million to $212 million, an 88 percent increase. In addition, the total number of jobs created or supported by the Port doubled to more than 5,800 during that same time period.

Governor Minner said, "I am glad to see a company that has played such an integral role in the development of Delaware's shipping industry continue to thrive. The acquisition of the Capt. Harry is also an important step in ensuring that our Port and the companies that support it stay competitive."

The Capt. Harry was named after Rowland's father, Captain Harry H. Rowland, Sr., who founded Wilmington Tug in 1965. The new tug, which utilizes the innovative technology of Z-Drives for maximum maneuverability, is a state-of-the-art tug specifically designed for docking large vessels that are now entering the Port of Wilmington. It is 80 feet long and operates with twin 2,100 horsepower engines. The boat increases the company's fleet size to six tugboats.

"Wilmington Tug has grown steadily since the business started more than 35 years ago," said Rowland. "We now dock more than 50 percent of the ships in our operating area. The Capt. Harry will facilitate our ability to grow even further while ensuring that we continue to provide our customers with the very best service possible."

This new addition to Wilmington Tug's fleet will compliment upgrades at the Port of Wilmington, which include a new $600,000 pile-supported concrete mooring structure to improve Port access for

liquid bulk tanker vessels and auto carriers. In August 2002, the Port will complete construction on a $28 million auto carrier berth to support and develop Wilmington's import and export automobile trade.

McBride said, "We are very happy to see a Wilmington-based company growing and providing services to the Port's customers and contributing to the growth of the entire Port community. Mr. Rowland's success reflects the good service and dedicated attention he provides to his customers."

Wik said, "The expansion of the Wilmington Tug fleet is a great example of the tremendous impact Delaware's shipping industry has on the Delaware economy. In addition to providing a significant number of jobs and revenue, the industry has helped hundreds of small businesses flourish. In turn, these businesses have helped make our Port one of the most prosperous in the nation."

Founded in 1923, the Port of Wilmington generates more than 5,800 jobs and contributes more than $22 million in annual tax revenues to State and local government. The Port handles over 400 vessels per year with an annual import/export cargo tonnage of 5 million tons. The Port of Wilmington is the number one port in North America for imports of fresh fruits, bananas, juice concentrate, and meat. It is owned and operated by the Diamond State Port Corporation, a corporate entity of the State of Delaware.