Moran Towing Company, New Canaan, Conn., has added the Shiney V. Moran to its fleet at the Port of Brunswick, Ga. The new tug joins the Diane Moran in supporting vessel traffic at Georgia’s primary Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) port.
According to a June 6 statement from the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), both tugs are now assisting with around-the-clock docking operations at Brunswick’s terminals. Each vessel is equipped with 5,100-hp engines and provides more than 60 metric tons of bollard pull. Moran also operates the 3,000-hp Ann Moran in Brunswick.
In 2024, GPA reported 733 vessel calls at the Port of Brunswick, including 614 RoRo ships, 89 breakbulk vessels, and 30 bulk carriers.
GPA said Brunswick Bar pilots board vessels approximately 10 nautical miles offshore. Two tugs typically meet incoming ships near the Sidney Lanier Bridge, with transits from the bridge to berth averaging one hour.
“These more powerful tugboats help prepare Colonels Island to better accommodate the 10,000-vehicle vessels expected to serve the U.S. East Coast,” said GPA president and CEO Griff Lynch. “Moran’s growth complements our investments in vehicle storage, auto processing capability and a future fourth berth for Roll-on/Roll-off vessels.”
Joe Myatt, general manager at Moran Towing, said the additional tugs will bolster support for larger ships. “Their enhanced horsepower, firefighting capabilities, and escort functionalities will help us meet the needs of our growing port. These assets will directly contribute to safer, more efficient operations for the port and our partners,” Myatt said.
GPA said the Port of Brunswick has handled more than 900,000 RoRo units so far in 2024, making it the busiest U.S. port for autos and heavy equipment. Recent capital projects at the port include $262 million in completed warehousing and vehicle processing upgrades.
WorkBoat reached out to Moran for additional specs on the new tugs.
