Bay-Houston Towing and Suderman & Young Towing Co. recently awarded construction contracts to Sterling Shipyard to build new 105'x46' tugs.
The Port Neches, Texas, shipyard will build multiple Robert Allan Ltd. RAstar 3200-W design tugs. The first tug is expected to be delivered in October 2025.
The specially designed RAstar 3200-W tug for this application is based on the RAstar 3200 design series tht thus far have had 100 units delivered or are under construction worldwide.
The tug will be powered by a pair of EMD 16 E23B HD Tier 4-compliant engines putting out a total of 8,800 hp and propelled by two Schottel SRP-610 units generating an estimated bollard pull of 105 metric tonnes. When performing escort operations, the 105' escort tug will be capable of providing an estmated steering and braking force of 115 tonnes and 162 tonnes respectively at speeds up to 10 knots. The tug will be fitted with a towing winch on its aft deck for coastal towing service.
The tug will have ABS notations of ✠ A1, Towing Service, ✠ AMS, Escort Service, Fire-Fighting Vessel 1, Low Emission Vessel (US).
Robert Allan will provide a production design package including steel parts and piping spools etc. to Sterling Shipyard.
