USA: Higman Barge Lines Inc has recently taken delivery of two vessels, 'Alliance' and 'Erik Salen'. Both vessels are part of a series of push boats being built by Hope Services Inc, Louisiana.
'Alliance' was delivered in late 2008 while 'Erik Salen' was delivered in January 2009. A third tow boat, 'Kal A Shaw', being built to the same design, will be delivered in mid-April.
The vessels measure 21.9 metres by 9.14 metres. With a hull depth of three metres, the 144GT these vessels are well suited to working the inland waterways of the USA.
'Alliance', 'Erik Salen' and 'Kal A. Shaw' are all powered by Cummins KTA38 M0 main engines each delivering 745kW at 1,800rpm.