Moran Towing Corp., New Canaan, Conn., christened its newest harbor tug, the J Themistoclis Moran, at its dock in Port Arthur, Texas, on May 29.
The 92'x40' RApport 2800 class tractor tug was designed by Robert Allen Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia, and built by Master Boat Builders Inc., Coden, Ala.
The vessel delivers more than 7,000 hp and over 87 metric tons of bollard pull. Built to ABS certification as a low-emissions vessel, the tug is powered by EPA Tier IV Caterpillar 3516E engines reduce NOₓ emissions. The vessel features twin Kongsberg US255 Z-drive propulsion units.
The newbuild is escort-rated and Fi-Fi notated, equipped with three onboard firefighting stations and dual monitors powered by an SFP 300x400 fire pump. A 360° wheelhouse viewpoint is designed to improve visibility during harbor-assist and escort operations.
The vessel features expanded accommodations, improved working spaces, and modern onboard systems, including a fully integrated Rose Point electronic chart system and Starlink satellite connectivity.
The J Themistoclis Moran is the fourth in its class, delivered in 2025 as part of Moran's ongoing fleet modernization program. Sister vessels William E Moran, Newt Moran, and Thomas C Moran are operating in New York City.
Moran has operated in Port Arthur since 1964. Since 2019, its local fleet has grown from five tugs to eight, including joint-venture vessels, supporting energy and shipping customers in the region, including LNG terminal operations.
"The christening of the J Themistoclis Moran is more than the introduction of a new tug," said Steve Kelly, regional vice president–Gulf. "It reflects our commitment to supporting the crews who work aboard these vessels, the customers who rely on us every day, and the communities and ports where we live and operate."
The christening ceremony brought together crews, customers, port partners, and community members, Moran said. Karen Barker Marcou served as the vessel's sponsor.
The vessel is named for John "Jack" Themistoclis Marcou, grandson of James R. Barker, vice chairman of the board of Moran and chairman of the board of Interlake Maritime Services, Middleburg Heights, Ohio. The name also references Themistoclis, an ancient Athenian naval admiral credited with shaping the course of maritime history.
