The following is the text of a news release from Harley Marine Services:
(SEATTLE) — Harley Marine’s growth remains steady as a new shiphandling vessel, the Michelle Sloan, enters the fleet. The vessel is an improved version of our existing RAmparts 2500s, the Tim Quigg and John Quigg, designed by Robert Allan.
The Michelle Sloan and her sister class vessel, the Lela Franco, are from Diversified Marine of Portland, Ore. The Michelle Sloan was delivered to Harley Marine on March 20 and the Lela Franco will follow just three months afterward.
The vessels will each have a length of 80 feet, a beam of 36 feet and a depth of 16 feet 8 inches. The vessels are powered with approximately 5,200 horsepower and are able to achieve 65 tons of bollard pull. Each vessel is equipped with two Cat 3516, Tier 3 engines and (2) 125kw John Deere 6068, Tier 3 generators. The cutting edge engines reduce NOx and particulate matter, from a Tier 2, by 74 percent. This reinforces both Harley Marine and Caterpillar’s commitment to being environmentally responsible industry leaders.
Michelle Sloan is also equipped with a Markey bow winch, a barge handling stern winch, and Shibata fendering. Soundproofing material was added to the bulkheads and decks to improve life onboard the vessel for the crew. A closed circuit TV (CCTV) has been installed to the engine room for semi-automation. The CCTV can be accessed from the wheelhouse or ashore for management to monitor. The vessels are being built with the most technically and environmentally advanced equipment available and will exceed all regulatory, internal, and customers’ needs and expectations.
Harley Marine Services has chosen to name the tug the Michelle Sloan after a remarkable women that is very important to the company.
Michelle was an exceedingly generous person whose greatest talent and joy was bringing people together. She was a creative, loving and truly creative wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Michelle was honest to a fault and someone who could always be counted on. She brought so much depth, joy and fullness to the lives of those around her and deeply loved everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.
On Nov. 21, 2014, Michelle lost a 12-year battle with breast cancer, which she always characterized as living with cancer. With her husband Marc by her side, she endured chemotherapies, radiation, cyber knife and a variety of other painful interventions. She faced all of her challenges head on with a steely resolve and determination to beat cancer.
Harley Marine chose to honor Michelle by naming a tugboat after her to celebrate her strength, courage and service to others even in the face of extreme challenges. This also gave an opportunity to shine a light on powerful women in the maritime industry and the impact they have in our community. Michelle was excited about the prospect of having a boat named after her. She will be sorely missed.
The tug's presence on the West Coast will support our ship assist and tanker escort business by providing more horsepower and strength to the ports. The Michelle Sloan will “bring beauty, style, power and grace to Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors."
