Dawn Services has acquired the 81'x30' Damen-designed Shoalbuster 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.
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.
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 has an ABS-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.
WorkBoat has reached out to Dawn Services for additional information on the vessel.
