The following is the text of a news release from Castleman Maritime LLC:
(CLEAR LAKE SHORES, Texas) (Oct. 21, 2013) — Castleman Maritime LLC announces the recent delivery of "Pat", the second CM-96 harbor/escort tug for Harbor Docking and Towing of Westlake, LA. The vessel works in the Port of Lake Charles alongside two CM-105 escort tugs designed by Castleman Maritime for Harbor Docking and delivered in 2007 and 2008.
"Pat" and her sister vessel "Carl" measure 96' x 38' x 18', and are fitted with two Caterpillar 3516C diesels driving Rolls-Royce US255 z-drives. With 6300 horsepower installed, the vessels are capable of 80 tons bollard pull and feature a transit speed of 14.4 knots.
The two vessels were built by Main Iron Works of Houma, LA.
Dwayne Chatoney of Harbor Docking and Towing, said, "with the delivery of our new tug "PAT" we have improved our earlier ASD tug design by shortening the length of the tug and skeg making the tug more maneuverable for everyday ship assist work, while maintaining the tug's ability to provide ship escort and ship assist to the largest vessels calling in the Port of Lake Charles. Additional improvements in this new CM-96 design features an unobstructed galley providing more usable space for crew comfort and a staple set back 10 feet from the tugs bow for added capability when working in the indirect mode."
For the CM-96 project, Castleman Maritime prepared all basic and detail design drawings required by the shipyard to construct these vessels.
The delivery of "Pat" marks the 20th anniversary of the completion of the design of Castleman Maritime's first ASD escort vessel, and 10 years working with Harbor Docking and Towing Company.
Gregory Castleman, Castleman Maritime's founder and President, said "we are very pleased with the confidence Harbor Docking has in our firm to provide designs that meet their operational needs and budget. We look forward to continuing our relationship with this outstanding towing company."
Mr. Castleman brings to Castleman Maritime's clients more than 37 years' experience in the design, construction, and operation of service vessels for inland and offshore segments of the maritime industry. His designs are recognized worldwide for their outstanding performance, ease of construction, and maintainability.
