Moran Towing Corporation has formally named three new azimuth stern drive (ASD) tractor tugs: George James Moran, Patricia B. Moran, and Paul T. Moran in a ceremony on June 20 in Norfolk, Virginia.
All three tugs were delivered in 2024 and are now in service on the US East Coast. Each 86-foot (26.2-metre) tug is powered by twin Tier IV Caterpillar 3512 engines producing a combined 5,100 hp (3,803 kW). The vessels are equipped with Kongsberg Z-drives and deliver at least 67 tons of bollard pull.
The Paul T. Moran and George James Moran were built by Washburn and Doughty and are fitted with firefighting systems capable of over 3,000 gallons per minute, as well as specialised fendering for work with the navy. The Patricia B. Moran was built by Master Boat Builders.
According to the company, the Paul T. Moran and Patricia B. Moran are currently operating in Norfolk, Virginia, while the George James Moran is operating in Baltimore, Maryland.