Main Iron Works delivers Mr. Ruben for Bisso Towboat

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(LULING, La.) — Bisso Towboat Co. announced delivery Wednesday of the 4,480-hp tractor tug Mr. Ruben from Main Iron Works. The z-drive ship-assist tug is the first in a series of two vessels the Houma shipyard is building for Bisso. 

The 100-by-38-by-13.5-foot Mr. Ruben is powered by twin Caterpillar 3515 Tier 3 mains generating 2,240 hp each. Those engines drive Rolls-Royce US205FP z-drives with 90.6-inch propellers in stainless-steel nozzles. The vessel's bollard pull is estimated at 60 tons. 

Electrical service comes from two 99-kW Marathon generators powered by twin John Deere 4045 Tier 3 engines. The tug has a JonRie Series 230 hydraulic bow winch with 500 feet of 8-inch Amsteel Blue line. 

The vessel also features Simrad electronics and navigation equipment and soundproof engine room and crew quarters for crew comfort. There are four bunk rooms with seven berths. 

Mr. Ruben is the sixth z-drive tractor tug Main Iron Works has built for Bisso Towboat, and the 10th tug Main has built for Bisso in the last 25 years. With the addition of Mr. Ruben, Bisso's fleet now has 12 tugs. 

By Professional Mariner Staff