Master Boat Builders Inc., Coden, Ala., has been awarded a contract to build two 86'x36' tugboats for Moran Towing Corp., New Canaan, Conn. The new tugs will be the first that Master Boat will build for Moran Towing.
The new tugs will produce a bollard pull of over 55 metric tons. The vessels will feature two Tier 4 Caterpillar 3512E main engines, each producing 2,549 hp, along with two Kongsberg US 205S thrusters, and a Markey Machinery Co. DEPC-48 bow winch.
Moran Towing's fleet operates coast to coast and provides vessel towing, bulk marine transportation, LNG support operations, and environmental recovery services.
“We look forward to working with Master Boat on this project. Master Boat has a great reputation for delivering quality equipment on a consistent basis and we hope this new contract will lead to future opportunities for collaboration between the two companies," Sean Perreault, Moran's vice president, engineering services, said in a statement. “While we have an ongoing commitment to our traditional suppliers, our demand from customers has given us the opportunity to work with new partners that we hope will become long term relationships.”
Crowley Engineering Services created the tugboat design, which will meet Coast Guard Subchapter M regulations and will be classed through the American Bureau of Shipping.
“Moran is one of the most respected tugboat operators in the U.S. and we are honored they have chosen us to build their next set of tugs,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders.
