Renovation Of Inland Service Tug Completed

Shearer & Associates, Inc. announced the completion of the repowering and renovation of the inland service towboat Mark K. The conversion was performed by Master Marine, Inc., of Bayou La Batre, Ala., for McDonough Marine Service of New Orleans. Shearer developed contract specifications for McDonough and provided on-site representation during the conversion. The towboat, originally the Sand Storm, caught fire and burned in 1989, and was located in Houston until the rebuild.

A new deck house was constructed, all new machinery and equipment were installed, and repairs were made to the hull, propellers, shafting and rudders.

Two Detroit Diesel model 4-71 generator sets were rebuilt by Stewart & Stevenson in Houston, who also supplied new Detroit Diesel model 8V149 DDEC engines rated at 800 hp each at 1,800 rpm. The two Twin Disc model MG540 reverse/reduction gears were rebuilt by Power Systems, Inc. of Houston. A fixed carbon dioxide system and an alarm panel were also installed. The vessel reportedly performed well on dock and sea trials with minimal vibration, even at bollard condition.