The following is the text of a news release from Harley Marine Services:
(SEATTLE) — Harley Marine Services welcomed its newest vessel, Dr. Hank Kaplan, to its Puget Sound fleet on June 22. The vessel has a length of 80 feet, a beam of 36 feet and a depth of 13 feet 7 inches, and is equipped with two Caterpillar 3516C marine propulsion engines that deliver a combined 5,350 hp. The vessel also features the new Cat MTA 524-T azimuth thrusters, which were specially designed for high-performance tractor tugboats.
Some other new features include maximized bollard pull, simpler installation and maintenance requirements, and an increase in maneuverability. Dr. Hank Kaplan is the first vessel in North America to utilize a complete Caterpillar Marine propulsion system. The tug is also a sister class vessel to the recently built Michelle Sloan and Lela Franco.
The tractor tug honors Dr. Henry Kaplan, the chief of medical oncology at Swedish Cancer Institute in Seattle. Throughout a career spanning 45 years, Kaplan devoted his time and effort to cancer research and treatment, earning him a place as a locally celebrated and highly regarded clinician. Kaplan garnered his reputation due not only to his unique methods of treatment, which have become a standard among his peers, but due to his philosophy towards his patients.
His professional statement reads simply, “Try to help the patient make the most of life.” It’s this philosophy and work ethic that allowed him to build, as the Seattle Times wrote, “One of the most successful private oncology practices in the Northwest.” He was even the cover subject of a Seattle Magazine titled “Top Doctors.”
In addition to honoring his name with the new vessel, Harley Marine hosts an annual fundraising event which benefits Kaplan’s organization the Kaplan Cancer Research Fund. The event has raised upwards of $2 million for the Swedish Medical Center over the past five years. This year the event will take place on Aug. 14 at Glendale Country Club. For more information about the tournament or to make a donation, visit swedishfoundation.org/harleymarine or contact Jelsi Fruci at jfruci@harleymarine.com.
