VESSEL REVIEW | Lulu Hamilton – Twin-screw pusher tug for US operator Maritime Partners
Louisiana-based vessel leasing and financing company Maritime Partners added a new pusher tug to its fleet in July 2026.
Lulu Hamilton was built by FMT Shipyard and Repair in Harvey, Louisiana, for inland service. Maritime Partners supplies pushboats to commercial operators through charter and financing arrangements, and its inland pusher tugs handle barges carrying petroleum products, chemicals, grain and aggregates.
The vessel was designed by Entech Designs and is the shipyard's third delivery to Maritime Partners following Deirdre Ann and Beth Williams.
Lulu Hamilton has a length of 67.5 feet (20.57 metres), a beam of 29 feet (8.8 metres), and a gross tonnage of 124. The pilothouse provides an eye level of 29.83 feet (9.09 metres), and below it are four double-bunk crew cabins and two full bathrooms. Climate control is provided by a Hitachi multi-split system from Lemoine Marine, that offers heat pump operation and air conditioning. Wastewater is treated by an Ahead Sanitation Systems AT-6T unit.
Significant liquid tank capacities suitable for extended-duration operations
National Marine Carpentry fitted the interiors and the galley, which has a four-burner Frigidaire electric range, Element refrigeration, a trash compactor and an ice maker.
The tug’s tankage comprises 8,065 gallons (30,530 litres) of fuel, 5,500 gallons (20,820 litres) of potable water split between two 850-gallon (3,200-litre) tanks and one 3,800-gallon (14,000-litre) tank, and 442 gallons (1,670 litres) each of lubricating oil and gear oil.
Schuyler Maritime 12-inch (300mm) laminated tyre fendering protects the hull from impact damage during barge handling and alongside manoeuvres.
Propulsion comes from two Mitsubishi S6R2-Y3 US EPA Tier III engines, each rated 803 hp (599 kW) at 1,400 rpm. The engines sit on Christie and Grey resilient mounts and are cooled by R.W. Fernstrum grid coolers.
Proven propulsion arrangement for greater reliability and commonality
Twin Disc MGX-5321DC gearboxes with a 5.46:1 reduction ratio drive two open-wheel Hung Shen Marine Edge CF-3 stainless-steel propellers. Each propeller measures 74 by 58.9 inches (1,880 by 1,500 millimetres) and turns on a seven-inch (180mm) ABS-grade shaft running in Thordon RiverTough bearings. Steering is via an Eagle Controls and Hydraulics dual pump system.
Laborde also supplied two 65kW generator sets. The propulsion and electrical ratings match those of Beth Williams.
"Every vessel we add to the fleet is built with long-term reliability in mind," said Chris Miller, Director of Newbuild Programs at Maritime Partners. "Having a consistent platform across propulsion and onboard power helps support that approach."
FMT has since delivered a fourth pusher tug, the 52.5-foot (16-metre) Ann Nash, which uses the same engine and generator ratings as Lulu Hamilton.
