The Great Lakes Towing Co., Cleveland, Ohio, announced it has ordered two new tugboats, expanding its long-running newbuild program to 12 vessels.
The company said in a press release on Friday that it has ordered the harbor tugs from its sister company, Great Lakes Shipyard, Cleveland, for scheduled delivery in late 2027 and early 2028.
Great Lakes Towing, which provides harbor towing and marine services throughout the Great Lakes, said the fleet renewal and expansion program is part of its long-term investment in Great Lakes shipping.
"The Great Lakes have been our home for more than a century, and this order reflects our confidence in the future of commercial shipping throughout the region and our commitment to the customers who depend upon us," said Great Lakes Towing President Gregg Thauvette. "Continuing to renew our fleet is essential to maintaining safe and reliable harbor towing service and preparing the Towing Company to meet our customers' needs for years to come."
Like the 10 previous vessels in the series, the 64'x24'x11' newbuilds will be constructed to the Stan Tug 1907 ICE design from Damen Shipyards Group, Gorinchem, Netherlands. The design was selected with Great Lakes service in mind, including harbor work in tight waterways and operations during the region’s winter season. When the series was announced, Great Lakes said the vessels would be built to ABS class and comply with U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter M requirements.
The first tug in the series, the Cleveland, was delivered in 2017, and the 10th vessel, the Puerto Rico, was christened earlier this year.
"Building the first 10 Damen tugs gave our team valuable experience that we will carry into the construction of the next two vessels," said Tom Rigolo, president of Great Lakes Shipyard. "We are proud that this work will continue here in Cleveland, and we look forward to seeing hulls 11 and 12 take shape."
