USA: Crowley Maritime has launched 'Ocean Wave', the first of four Ocean-class tugs under construction at Bollinger Shipyards in Amelia, Louisiana.
'Ocean Wave' and 'Ocean Wind' are twin-screw, steel-hulled DP1-classed tugs with an overall length of 44.5 metres, a beam of 14 metres, hull depth of 7.6 metres and design draught of 6.4 metres. The second two tugs of the class, 'Ocean Sky' and 'Ocean Sun', will be classed as DP2 and will be three metres longer.
The new tugs have been designed to work with Crowley's new 455-series heavy-lift deck barges. Additionally, the tugs will be outfitted for, and capable of, rig moves, platform and floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit tows, emergency response and firefighting. The Ocean-class vessels will also have the capability to support salvage and rescue towing opportunities.
'Ocean Wave' is scheduled for delivery in early 2012. The remaining tugs are expected to be completed by the end of 2013.
