Blakeley BoatWorks to construct third tug for Crescent Towing

Crescent Towing has announced plans to begin construction on a new 6,000 horsepower (4,474 kilowatt) Z-drive tug at Blakeley BoatWorks' shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.

The vessel, designated Hull 115, will be added to Crescent Towing’s Mississippi River ship-assist operations upon completion. It will be the third in a series of 6,000 horsepower tugs that Blakeley BoatWorks has constructed for Crescent Towing. The second vessel in the series, Kentucky, is scheduled for delivery late this summer.

Scott H. Cooper, President of Crescent Towing, stated that the company plans to continue this newbuild initiative long-term, "to further strengthen its fleet."

The new escort towing vessel was designed by Crowley Engineering Services and will be 92 feet (28 metres) long and 38 feet (11.6 metres) wide, with a draught of 19 feet (5.8 metres). It will be powered by two Caterpillar EPA Tier 4 engines, each producing 3,004 horsepower, which will power Kongsberg fixed pitch azimuthing drives.

Both Crescent Towing and Blakeley BoatWorks are wholly owned subsidiaries of American maritime service provider The Cooper Group.