Towing Barge

Puerto Rico Towing Assists 'Run Out of Gas' Ship

Tugs 'Triton' and 'Honcho' of the Puerto Rico Towing & Barge Co. recently assisted a drifting vessel off the coast of Puerto Rico. The cargo ship Global Destiny, owned and operated by Diavlos Maritime based in Athen, Greece, called for assistance the morning of Saturday, March 16. The vessel reported that it had run out of fuel and was drifting approximately five miles off the coast of Dorado, approximately nine miles north west of San Juan. Puerto Rico. Towing’s tug Triton came to the vessel’s aid and stood by the vessel until it was directed by the United States Coast Guard to proceed to the San Juan harbor anchorage. On Monday, March 18, the disabled ship was towed by the tug Triton and tug Honcho to anchorage, where after receiving inspection and clearance by the USCG, the vessel was towed to Pier 11 for refueling. Puerto Rico Towing’s Captain Neftali Padilla, celebrating his 15th year with the Company, was in charge of the rescue operation.  

Alabama Shipyard Sign Contract for ATB

Alabama Shipyard has signed a contract to build an articulated tug and barge (ATB) vessel for Allied Transportation Company of Norfolk, Va. Both vessels will be designed and built to ABS classification standards. "This is our third major contract award during the last four months of 2000," said Dick Wells, the yard's president. "The total value of these contracts is greater than $65 million. Our employment will grow to over 600 an increase of 300 new jobs from today."

Canada Raises Security Bar: New Regs Coming

Transport Canada has strengthened its security requirements for vessels, marine facilities and ports by establishing the Marine Transportation Security Regulations. "The Government of Canada is committed to maintaining the safety and security of Canadian ports," said Transport Minister Tony Valeri. "The Marine Transportation Security Regulations will further enhance marine security across Canada and abroad." These regulations

102 Year-Old Steam Tug in Alameda Dry-Dock

The 102-year old steam-powered, ocean-going tug, Hercules, is in dry-dock at Bay Ship & Yacht Co.’s Alameda yard for maintenance and repair work. Earlier this month she was towed across the bay from her berth at the Hyde Street Pier of the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, operated by the National Park Service.  She will be in dry-dock at BS&Y for about a month for sandblasting and painting the riveted steel hull, replacing the boat deck

Crowley Restructures Senior Management

Crowley Maritime Corporation announced a restructuring involving three members of its senior leadership team. John Douglass and Rob Grune will move to new positions, with Douglass taking over as senior vice president and general manager of Crowley's Puerto Rico/Caribbean liner services, and Grune taking over as senior vice president and general manager of Crowley's petroleum transportation group. Both executives will remain domiciled in Jacksonville and continue to report to Tom Crowley

Naming Ceremony for Tugboat HANDY-THREE

A newly constructed tugboat, HANDY-THREE, is to be ceremoniously named at Great Lakes Shipyard, Cleveland, Ohio, on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.  The tugboat has been sold to Puerto Rico Towing & Barge Co. of San Juan, Puerto Rico.   Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Representative of Northern Ohio’s Ninth Congressional District, will be the Sponsor and Principal Speaker for the tugboat HANDY-THREE. The vessel is the third of a class of Handy Size tugboats designed by Jensen

Hydralift Skeg Use Gaining Speed

A device that increases the efficiency of barges is gaining in popularity on the West Coast, especially for Seattle to Alaska and Southeast Alaska runs. Many people report that Hydralift skegs substantially increase the efficiency of towed barges. This results in either increased towing speed or reduced fuel consumption because the horsepower required to tow at the same speed decreases. The Lynden Companies, Alaska Railbelt Marine (ARM) and Alaska Marine Lines (AML)

Towing company not liable for unseaworthiness of barge

In a short unpublished decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that a towing company is not liable for personal injuries caused by any unseaworthiness of a barge being towed by the company where the towing company does not own the barge. In the instant case, an employee of the towing company was injured when he slipped on ice on the barge. The employee sued his employer, alleging unseaworthiness

Illinois River Gets Towboat and Barge Ferry

In April, the State of Illinois will take delivery of the new river ferry for crossing the Illinois River between Grafton and Brussels Township in Illinois' Calhoun County. A 120- by 35-ft. barge, capable of carrying 24 cars, a couple of legal-highway-limit tractor trailer rigs or the equivalent, will be moved by a towboat. The 56- by 18-ft. tow boat will be powered by a pair of Cummins 6CTA-8.3M main engines each delivering 250 hp at 1,800 rpm.

Canadian Security Regs Tightened

Proposed amendments to the Marine Transportation Security Regulations that strengthen security requirements for vessels, marine facilities and ports were announced by Transport Minister Tony Valeri. "A secure, strong marine industry is vital to Canada's dynamic economy," said Mr. Valeri. "These regulations will surpass the International Maritime Organization requirements and help ensure that Canada's marine transportation system remains one of the most secure in the world."