Master Marine Inc. (MMI) has delivered the 67'x28' pushboat Steel Skipper to Plimsoll Marine. The Steel Skipper is the fourth vessel that MMI is scheduled to deliver to Plimsoll Marine. The four state-of-the-art vessels are designed by Entech Designs LLC and are fully compliant with all U.S. Coast Guard regulatory requirements
Plimsoll Marine, a Cooper Group company, is a Lower Mississippi River towboat operator with a fleet of vessels that perform fleeting and barge services from Baton Rouge to the Head of Passes.
“Plimsoll Marine strives to provide the Lower Mississippi River with premier pushboat services utilizing the industry’s most modern and capable fleet of vessels. The delivery of the Steel Skipper marks another milestone in that effort,” Angus R. Cooper III, President, Cooper/T. Smith, said in a statement announcing the delivery. “Our ongoing investment in building and maintaining the Plimsoll fleet is a testament to our pledge to always return the highest level of value to our customers.”
Main propulsion comes from twin Tier 3 Mitsubishi diesels from Laborde Products Inc., producing 803 hp at 1,400 rpm. The mains are coupled to a pair of Sound Propeller Services Inc. 70"x48"x7", 4-bladed stainless steel propellers through Twin Disc 5321 gears. Thrust is provided through two J & S Machine Works, Inc. 7" ABS grade two propeller shafts with all Thordon bearings and Thorplas bushings and shaft seals.
Ship’s service power is the responsibility of two Northern Lights 65KW Tier 3 electronic controlled generators, also from Laborde Products, with RW Fernstrum Inc. keel coolers throughout.
RIO Controls and Hydraulic Inc. supplied the steering system for the two 7" main and four 7" flanking rudders.
“Our customers expect the safest, most efficient, reliable operations, and Plimsoll Marine’s world-class team and state-of-the-art vessels ensure we consistently exceed those expectations,” said Karl Gonzales, vice president of Plimsoll Marine. “Plimsoll is proud to add the Steel Skipper to our growing fleet of state-of-the-art pushboats. Paired with our experienced mariners, this vessel further ensures our ability to exceed customer expectations in the safest and most efficient manner.”
Gulf Coast Air & Hydraulics Inc. provided a pair of Quincy reciprocating air compressors and ventilation fans. Schuyler Maritime LLC supplied all 18"x12" rubber fendering around the perimeter of the vessel and push knees.
R.S Price & Son provided a Carrier mini-split HVAC system in all interior spaces with Blakeney Marine providing all custom woodwork and interior finishes. Donavon Marine supplied the large Bomar aluminum windows and Dale’s Welding and Fabricators LLC provided the aluminum exterior doors.
Wintech International LLC supplied a pair of 40-ton deck winches and New World Inc. provided all electronics and communications, with an alarm system from Unlimited Control & Supply Inc.
Each of the four towboats have the capacity for 10,400 gals. of fuel; 4,359 gals. potable water; and 9,500 gals. of ballast water, along with providing a maximum 7'9" working draft. Each vessel is outfitted with three crew staterooms housing 6 crewmen, 1 ½ baths and a full galley arrangement.
