The following is the text of a news release from Eastern Shipbuilding Group:
(PANAMA CITY, Fla.) — During the 2014/2015 holiday season, Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. delivered M/V Ty Dolese (Hull 189) the 59th 90-foot inland towboat to Florida Marine Transporters Inc. of Mandeville, La., for its ongoing newbuild program. Also, Florida Marine signed a contract for the 63rd vessel (Hull 193), an additional 90-foot inland towboat.
It was in early January 2015 when Florida Marine Transporters signed this additional towboat, bringing the total to 63 vessels contracted over the past 10 years. Four of the most recent 90-foot inland towboat deliveries to Florida Marine occurred over the past 10 months. M/V Ty Dolese is the 59th vessel delivered in this ongoing series of now 63 vessels. This recently signed vessel, Hull 193 will be constructed at Eastern’s Allanton facility from a design furnished by Gilbert Associates Inc. of Boston, Mass.
This ongoing order for 90-foot towboats originally began with a 25-vessel contract, with on-time deliveries starting in 2006. It has expanded to become the largest single builder, single owner, new construction program with the same class towboat design in United States history.
The vessels recently delivered and under contract with Florida Marine are installed with EPA Tier 3 main propulsion engines and generators. The vessel is powered by two Caterpillar 3512C Tier 3 diesel engines rated at 1,500 hp at 1,600 rpm provided by Louisiana Power Systems. The reduction gears are direct coupled Twin-Disc Model MG- 5600 with a 6.04:1 reduction supplied by Stewart Supply Inc. of Harvey, La. Electrical power is provided by two 99kW John Deere 4045AFM85 99KW Tier 3 generator sets rated for 60 Hz, at 208 VAC provided by Kennedy Engine Co. of Biloxi, Miss. These diesel engines comply with the current EPA Tier 3/MARPOL control of emissions of nitrogen oxides from marine diesel engines.
Florida Marine Transporters, with Dennis Pasentine at the helm since 1997, as CEO his vision is to always achieve excellence in the maritime industry. Together with committed shipmates and a strong work ethic, Florida Marine has developed into one of the largest inland marine companies. Florida Marine proudly serves its customers with one of the youngest towboat and tank barge fleets in the industry, shipping a variety of cargoes such as petrochemicals, chemicals, LPG, crude oil, agricultural liquids and dry cargo. Through the efforts of its experienced leadership team, and dedicated vessel and shore side employees, Florida Marine operates in a safe, environmentally sound and efficient manner. For more information, visit www.floridamarine.com.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. has two shipbuilding facilities in Panama City, Fla., and has been in business since 1976, constructing new, converting and repairing vessels in steel and aluminum of all types including: offshore tugs, harbor tugs, barges, ATBs, diesel electric supply vessels, research vessels, firefighting vessels, barges, ferries, passenger vessels, fishing vessels and towboats for both the commercial and government marine markets.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group continues to remain a diversified shipbuilder with on-budget and on-time deliveries. These towboats continue to maintain Eastern Shipbuilding’s role as one of the largest manufacturers of inland towboats in the United States. Visit www.easternshipbuilding.com.
