(LAPLACE, La.) — Master Marine Inc. (MMI) has delivered the 67-by-28-foot Grain Express to Plimsoll Marine. Grain Express is the second of four pushboats that MMI is scheduled to deliver to Plimsoll Marine. These four advanced vessels were designed by Entech Designs LLC and are fully compliant with all U.S. Coast Guard regulatory requirements.
The pushboat is powered by two Laborde Products Mitsubishi 803-hp Tier 3 diesel marine engines operating at 1,400 rpm and coupled to Twin Disc 5321 gears. Laborde Products also supplied electrical power with two Northern Lights 65-kW Tier 3 electronic-controlled generators, with R.W. Fernstrum keel coolers throughout.
A pair of Sound Propeller Services 70-by-48-by-7-inch, four-blade stainless steel propellers provide thrust through two J&S Machine Works 7-inch ABS grade two propeller shafts with all Thordon Bearings, Thorplas bushings and shaft seals. Rio Controls and Hydraulics supplied the steering system for the two 7-inch main and four 7-inch flanking rudders.
Gulf Coast Air & Hydraulics provided a pair of Quincy reciprocating air compressors and ventilation fans. Schuyler Maritime supplied 18-by-12-inch rubber fendering around the perimeter of the vessel and push knees.
R.S Price & Son provided a Carrier mini-split HVAC system in all interior spaces, with Blakeney Marine providing all custom woodwork and interior finishes. Donavon Marine supplied the large Bomar aluminum windows, and Dales Welding and Fabricators provided the aluminum exterior doors.
Wintech International supplied a pair of 40-ton deck winches and New World provided all electronics and communications, with an alarm system from Unlimited Control & Supply.
Each of the four towboats have the capacity for 10,400 gallons of fuel, 4,359 gallons of potable water and 9,500 gallons of ballast water, along with providing a maximum 7 foot 9 inch working draft. Each vessel is outfitted with three crew staterooms housing six crewmen, with 1½ baths and a full galley arrangement.
– Plimsoll Marine
