The following is text of a news release from Conrad Industries:
(MORGAN CITY, La.) — Conrad Shipyard of Morgan City has started production on a second 6,000-hp inland towboat designed by MiNO Marine of New Orleans. The Subchapter M-compliant vessel measures 166 by 49 by 12 feet and will be powered by Tier 4-compliant engines. Conrad has orders from two customers for the vessels.
Conrad worked closely with MiNO Marine, which developed the design based on regulatory requirements and current needs existing in the market. Conrad’s production line is geared for serial production for multiple customers, and component manufacturing coupled with a modular build strategy results in efficiencies in production, on-time delivery and lower costs to the customer. The vessel has an optimized hull form for improved performance, and the design is intended to be flexible to accommodate different propulsion drive trains. The vessels currently under construction each utilize different engines; one vessel will be equipped with GE engines, and the other will have EMD engines.
“This horsepower range is right in our wheelhouse, and we will continue to expand our capabilities to be able to service our customers’ needs," said Johnny Conrad, chairman and CEO of Conrad Industries. "We are delighted about the opportunity to provide our customers with a quality vessel constructed by our proven and experienced shipbuilding team.”
