American Tugboat Review
COVID-19 pandemic clouds construction picture
Around this time last year, the tugboat building industry in the United States showed signs of a rebound.
Crowley’s rugged ice-class ATB built to withstand Alaska’s harsh climate
Alaska has notoriously challenging weather conditions and climate. Crowley Maritime built an articulated tug-barge (ATB) rugged enough to safely sail through these icy waters and nimble enough to steer itself into berth.
Muscular Seaway Guardian has big shoes to fill
Tugboat watchers along the Saint Lawrence Seaway between Massena, N.Y., and Lake Ontario will witness a changing of the guard during the 2020 shipping season.
E.N. Bisso & Son welcomes latest ‘go-anywhere tug’
For nearly four years, E.N. Bisso & Son’s Gladys B. was the lone z-drive tugboat designed by Robert Allan Ltd. working the Mississippi River. Now, it has some company.
Nimbler next-gen Tiger tugs keep Hawaiian commerce moving
P&R Water Taxi built its first Tiger tugboat in 90 days in 2002 after winning a U.S. Navy ship-assist contract in Pearl Harbor.
Texas tug operator builds fleet to handle bigger ships
Mazu Capt. Nick Payne stood by while mate Brandon Conner approached the containership Molly Schulte midway between Bayport Channel and Barbours Cut in the Houston Ship Channel.
Versatile Mariner turns heads along Seattle waterfront
Capt. Mark Williamson steered Western Towboat’s newest harbor tug into Elliott Bay on a cool, clear late February day.
McAllister Towing solidifies Charleston, Port Everglades fleets
For most tugboat companies, building one new azimuthing stern drive (ASD) tugboat would make for a pretty good year.
Foss updates proven Valor-class design for the Tier 4 era
Foss Maritime Company has updated the venerable Valor-class azimuthing stern drive (ASD) tugboat for a new era.
Crowley upgrades LA fleet with first US RApport 2500 tugboat
The RApport 2400-series tugboats developed by Robert Allan Ltd. have earned their keep around the world.
Bisso Towboat adds new muscle on the Lower Mississippi
In 1999, Bisso Towboat of Luling, La., introduced the first tractor tug on the Mississippi River with the delivery of Cecilia B. Slatten.
Gemini Warrior builds on tradition of B.C. coastal tugs
In British Columbia, most tugboats built within the last decade were designed by A.G. McIlwain Ltd.
Canal Barge signals inland push into Tier 4
The brownwater industry, for a number of reasons, has been slow to embrace EPA Tier 4 propulsion. Canal Barge Co. is a notable exception.
Aveogan specifications
Owner/operator: Crowley Maritime Builder: Bollinger Shipyards Designer: Jensen Maritime Consultants Dimensions: 128’ x 42’ x 19’2” Mission: Transporting fuels in Alaska Crew size: 8 Propulsion: Engines: (2) Tier 4 GE 8L250MDC, 3,384 hp Bollard pull: 97 short…
Seaway Guardian specifications
Owner/operator: Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. Builder: Gulf Island Shipyards Designer: Robert Allan Ltd. Dimensions: 118’ x 45’ x 17.5’ Mission: Buoy tending, icebreaking Crew size: 4 Propulsion: Engines: (2) Tier 4 Caterpillar 3516E, 2,682 hp Bollard…
C.D. White specifications
Owner/operator: E.N. Bisso & Son/Bisso Offshore Builder: Eastern Shipbuilding Group Designer: Robert Allan Ltd. Dimensions: 80’ x 38’ x 13’2” Mission: Ship assist, escort, emergency towing Crew size: 4 Propulsion: Engines: (2) Tier 4 Caterpillar 3512E, 2,550…
Mazu specifications
Operator: G&H Towing Co. Owner: Suderman & Young Towing Co. Builder: Gulf Island Shipyards Designer: Robert Allan Ltd. Dimensions: 98’6” x 42’8” x 16’8” Mission: Escort and harbor assist Propulsion: Engines: (2) Tier 4 Caterpillar 3516E, 3,386…
Mariner specifications
Owner/operator: Western Towboat Co. Builder: Western Towboat Co. Designer: Western Towboat Co./KraftMar Design Services/Argonaut Marine Dimensions: 80’ x 32’ x 15’ Mission: Ship and barge assist Crew size: 4 Propulsion: Engines: (2) Tier 3 Caterpillar 3512C, 1,970 hp Bollard…
Capt. Jim McAllister specifications
Owner/operator: McAllister Towing and Transportation Co. Builder: Eastern Shipbuilding Group Designer: Jensen Maritime Consultants Dimensions: 100’ x 40’ x 16’4” Mission: Ship assist, escort and rescue towing Crew size: 4-6 Propulsion: Engines: (2) Tier 4 Caterpillar 3516E, 3,386 hp…
Jamie Ann specifications
Owner/operator: Saltchuk/Foss Maritime Builder: Nichols Brothers Boat Builders Designer: Jensen Maritime Consultants Dimensions: 100’ x 40’ x 20’8” Mission: Ship escort and assist Crew size: 8 Propulsion: Engines: (2) Tier 4 MTU Series 4000, 3,433 hp Bollard pull: 92.36…
Hercules specifications
Owner/operator: Brusco Tug & Barge/Crowley Maritime Builder: Diversified Marine Designer: Robert Allan Ltd. Dimensions: 82’ x 40’ x 14’ Mission: Ship escort, docking and assist Crew size: 4 Propulsion: Engines: (2) Caterpillar 3516E, 3,004 hp Bollard pull: 88…
Andrew S. specifications
Owner/operator: Bisso Towboat Co. Builder: Main Iron Works Designer: Bisso Towboat Co./Main Iron Works Dimensions: 100’ x 38’ x 13.5’ Mission: Escort and ship assist Crew size: 4 Propulsion: Engines: (2) Tier 4 Caterpillar 3516E, 3,004 hp Bollard pull:…
Tug construction rebounding, but hold the champagne
These have been some lean years for a lot of American shipbuilders. But yards that kept the lights on, and their workforce intact, are benefiting from an apparent rebound in new tugboat and towboat construction.
