Tug News Roundup | June 26 – US newbuildings, upgraded Russian inland pusher and New Zealand ASD tug order
A Louisiana operator has welcomed a new pusher tug into service while a Russian firm recently unveiled a new series of inland-capable vessels derived from a 1970s design. Construction meanwhile continues on a future US Navy towing and salvage vessel.
Port Marlborough New Zealand orders ASD tug
Port Marlborough in New Zealand has placed an order for a new ASD tug to increase its existing towage capacity.
Port Marlborough said the tug, which will be named Kaiaua, will measure almost 23 metres long and will deliver a bollard pull of 70 tonnes. Advanced manoeuvrability will be provided by a twin fin skeg and azimuthing thrusters.
Russian design firm unveils new inland tug series fitted with automated systems
The Vympel Design Bureau of Russia's state-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation has unveiled a new series of pusher tugs optimised for use in inland waters.
The Project 1741NG vessels will be developed to replace Russia's ageing fleet of more than 400 inland pusher tugs. The vessels' duties will primarily entail pushing and towing of non-self-propelled dry cargo and tanker barges.
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.
Austal USA launches its first steel ship for US Navy towing and salvage
Shipbuilder Austal USA launched its first steel vessel, the future USNS Billy Frank Jr. (T-ATS 11), on June 14 at its shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. The ship is the first built using the company's new automated steel panel line.
The 3,100-ton vessel is the heaviest ship launched by Austal USA to date. Billy Frank Jr. is the first of three Navy towing, salvage and rescue ships (T-ATS) currently under construction at the shipyard.
Louisiana operator LeBeouf Brothers Towing names new pusher tug
Bourg, Louisiana-based LeBeouf Brothers Towing formally named its newest pusher tug in a ceremony in New Orleans on Saturday, June 15.
Capt Mark Delesdernier Jr was designed by Farrell and Norton Naval Architects of Maine and built by Steiner Shipyard at its Bayou La Batre facilities in Alabama. The tug has a length of 120 feet (37 metres), a beam of 34 feet (10 metres), a draught of nine feet (2.7 metres), a depth of 11 feet (3.4 metres), and accommodation for up to eight crewmembers.
