Master Boat Builders, Coden, Ala., has launched Intrepid, the fourth of eight tugboats under construction for Maritime Partners LLC.
The 88'x43'x16.5' tug is based on Robert Allan Ltd.’s RApport 2700-MP design and is intended for ship-assist, escort and towing operations. It has a draft of 19.5' and delivers more than 99 short tons of bollard pull.
“The launch of Intrepid marks an important milestone as we reach the halfway point in this eight-vessel program with Maritime Partners,” Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders, said in the announcement. “This series reflects the kind of long-term partnership that is so important to our industry, built on trust, shared standards and a commitment to delivering highly capable vessels. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made together and look forward to delivering the next four.”
Power comes from twin Caterpillar 3516E main engines supplied by Thompson Marine, each rated at 3,500 hp at 1,800 rpm under Caterpillar’s intermittent-duty “D” rating. The engines drive Steerprop azimuthing units supplied by Karl Senner LLC, fitted with 3,000-mm fixed-pitch, four-bladed stainless-steel propellers.
Deck equipment includes a Markey Machine DEPCF-52 75-hp electric Class II hawser winch. The design also allows for a Markey DESF-48A 100-hp electric Class III escort winch.
Beier Integrated Systems provided ship service systems and control integration. The tug has a top speed of approximately 13 knots and accommodations for six crewmembers. Tank capacities include approximately 24,000 gals. of fuel, 2,000 gals. of fresh water and 1,500 gals. of diesel exhaust fluid.
Intrepid is classified as an A1 Escort Tug and Towing Vessel, with Automated Machinery System (AMS) and Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Drydocking (UWILD) certifications, along with FFV1 firefighting capability, according to the builder. Master Boat said the tug also carries a Low Emissions Vessel (LEV) designation under U.S. standards.
