Young Brothers Ltd. and Hawaiian Tug & Barge have reached a three-year contract agreement with the union that represents about 100 workers.

Members of the Inlandboatmen's Union of the Pacific ratified the new deal Saturday. Terms of the contract were not released.

The contract covers first and second mates, engineers, seamen, harbor operators, deckhands and dispatchers. The contract between the companies and IBU workers was scheduled to end June 30.

Bill Chung, Young Brothers vice president, said he was pleased to reach an agreement before the contract expired.

"Our companies must remain competitive with other companies in our industry for there are a limited number of people with the skills necessary to safely and reliably conduct our maritime transportation business," Chung said.

Young Brothers is the state's largest interisland barge company. Hawaiian Tug & Barge provides contract towing service, barge charters and related marine services throughout the state.