Bay-Houston Towing Co., Houston, held a christening ceremony for a pair of tugs built to operate along the Texas coast.
The 98'6"x42.8' vessels, George M and May Louise, are Z-Tech 30-80 tugs designed by Robert Allan Ltd., Vancouver, B.C., for port/terminal ship handling and escort duties in and around the Houston Ship Channel.
The George M was built by Gulf Island Shipyards, LLC, Houma, La. and delivered in 2020, and the May Louise was built by Master Boat Builders, Inc., Coden, Ala. and delivered in 2024. Both have been constructed to ABS class.
Each vessel is equipped with a pair of EPA Tier 4 Caterpillar 3516E diesel engines that drive Schottel type SRP 510 Rudderpropellers with a 9'2"-diameter fixed-pitch propeller. The tugs feature selective catalytic reduction units.
The George M is rated at 6,772 hp and can achieve a bollard pull of 93.1 tons ahead and 83.3 tons astern, while the May Louise is rated at 7,000 hp and can achieve 94.23 tons ahead and 85.74 tons astern.
Each tug is fitted with a FiFi1 system that includes two FFS 6,200 gpm pumps, as well as Markey electric winches with automatic render and recover.
"These remarkable vessels are a testament to the collaboration and dedication of so many," Kevin Lenz, vice president of Bay-Houston Towing, said in remarks delivered during the ceremony. "From naval architects to mariners, pilots, and industry leaders, we celebrate the people who bring these tugs to life and ensure the success of our ports and economy."
Bay-Houston currently has two Robert Allan Ltd.-designed RAstar 3200-W TRACTOR tugs on order at Sterling Shipyard, LLC, Port Neches, Texas, for scheduled delivery this year. The 105'x46' tugs will offer 8,800 hp and anticipated bollard pull ahead of 115.73 tons.
