Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG), Panama City, Fla., has launched the first of the four 84'x42'x14' escort tugs for Saltchuk Marine, marking a step in the Seattle-based towing company’s fleet renewal program.
“We are proud to advance this important project for Saltchuk Marine and look forward to continued progress as we move toward delivering these high-quality escort tugs,” Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, said in a statement announcing the launch.
The four Robert Allan Ltd.-designed RApport 2600 ship assist/escort tugs, which will have 18'7" drafts, are part of Saltchuk’s long-term fleet renewal initiative. Constructed at ESG’s facilities in Allanton and Port St. Joe, Fla., the vessels are designed to enhance safety, reliability, and operational capability. Upon delivery, they will support ship assist and escort operations across the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska.
“These four vessels set a new maritime standard that will positively impact the industry by meeting new rigorous environmental requirements,” said Jason Childs, Saltchuk Marine’s president and CEO.
Main propulsion will come from two Caterpillar 3516E, Tier 4 diesel engines, each producing 3,500 hp at 1,800 rpm. The Cats will be connected to azimuthing Schottel SRP 510 RudderPropellers. The combo will give the tugs a running speed of 12 knots and a bollard pull (minimum) of 95 short tons.
On deck will be a Markey Machine DEPGF-52, 75-hp, single drum, Class II hawser winch.
