Dawn Services has acquired the 81'x30'x11.8' Damen-designed Shoalbuster 2609 Coastal Dawn, expanding its fleet with a shallow-draft utility tug suited for dredging support and marine construction work.
The vessel, previously named Candace and owned by Weeks Marine, was built in 2004 by Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Panama City, Fla., and is homeported in New Orleans. Dawn said the acquisition supports growing demand for multi-purpose vessels capable of operating across inland, coastal, and offshore environments. The vessel is expected to continue working on projects with the Weeks Marine dredge division for the immediate future.
Shoalbusters tugs are widely used for dredge support, towing, and nearshore construction due to their shallow draft and hull design, which allows access to areas where deeper-draft vessels are restricted. Dawn expects the Coastal Dawn to support barge towing, dredging operations, construction assistance, and general marine services.
"The deck crane really makes the vessel multi functional," a Dawn Services spokesman told WorkBoat. "It has the ability to run anchors with an open stern and large roller, and can use the crane to deck anchors if needed. The crane also allows her to act as a self supporting small supply boat.
"Another unique feature is the galley is its own self-contained fire boundary with steel door. And her bow thruster gives her an advantage in close quarters," they said.
Dawn highlighted in a press release that the purchase continues a 25-year relationship with Weeks Marine.
The Coastal Dawn has a reported top speed of 11.3 knots and a cruising speed of 10.5 knots. Capacities include 32,704 gals. of fuel, 431 gals. of lube oil, and 7,939 gals. of potable water.
Propulsion is provided by two Caterpillar 3508B Tier 1 diesel engines rated at a combined 2,400 hp, driving twin fixed-pitch propellers in Kort nozzles through Reintjes reduction gears. Electrical power is supplied by two Caterpillar 3304B generator sets, rated at 65-kW and 99-kW.
Towing equipment includes a Kraaijeveld 40-ton tow drum with 1,800' of 1.5" tow wire, along with an anchor handling drum carrying 200' of 1.25" wire. The vessel is ABS-classed as A1, Towing Vessel, AMS, and has a certified bollard pull of 53,767 lbs. (26.88 short tons).
Navigation electronics include dual radars, GPS, AIS, gyrocompass with autopilot, and Inmarsat-C communications. Onboard accommodations are provided for a crew of five.
