Bisso Towboat Co. Inc., Luling, La., announced recently that Main Iron Works LLC, Houma, La., will build another tug for the company, a 5,000-BHP ASD tractor tug.
The new tug will feature a pair of Caterpillar 3516E Tier 4F main propulsion engines generating 2,500 BHP each at 1,600 RPM. The engines will drive two Kongsberg US205S azimuthing thrusters with 2,400mm-dia. stainless steel propellers in stainless steel nozzles. Estimated bollard pull for the new tug is 66 tons.
Auxiliary equipment will include a JonRie Series 240 escort winch, Caterpillar C4.4 118-kw generator sets and a full complement of safety, monitoring and electronic equipment.
Tankage includes capacities for 30,162 gals. of diesel fuel; 1,442 gals. of lube oil; 1,442 gals. of hydraulic oil; 2,000 gals. of DEF; and 9,538 gals. of potable water.
The new tug will be the sixth ASD tractor tug built by Main Iron for Bisso in the past eight years. Bisso said the new tug will "further enhance Bisso's position of operating the largest fleet of ASD tractor tugs serving the Mississippi River ship-assist trade, with 10 ASD tractor tugs."
Main Iron delivered the 100'x38'x13.5' Capt. Joseph Bisso to Bisso Towboat earlier this year. The 6,008-hp Capt. Joseph Bisso was the fifth ASD tractor tug the shipyard built in seven years for Bisso.
Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2022 with delivery in early 2024.
