Townsend Bay News

Townsend Bay Marine LLC (TBM), a yachtbuilding and repair company based in Port Townsend, Washington, announces the launch of Alaskan Grandeur for Glacier Guides, Inc. The 68-ft. (20.7m) composite vessel has a 21.5-ft. (6.5m) beam and is based on a limit seiner hull. Designed by John L. Anderson Yacht Design of Kingston, Wash., to be independent of shore support for periods of up to three months, Alaskan Grandeur emphasizes simplicity and reliability. Used for hunting and fishing charters in Alaskan waters, the vessel will be provisioned at the beginning of the season and will cruise to remote locations without returning to base. Guests are flown in and out by float plane throughout the summer. Accommodations include four double staterooms for guests and two double cabins for crew.

ConAgra Inc., the second largest U.S. food manufacturer, has agreed to sell American Commercial Lines LLC (ACL) its large U.S. inland barge fleet and operations. Financial terms of the deal, which ConAgra said was part of ongoing series of strategic divestments, were not announced. ACL will acquire 930 owned and chartered barges, nine chartered towboats and one dry dock, the companies said in a joint statement. The deal includes Peavey Barge Lines, Brown Water Towing Inc. and Superior Barge Lines, Inc. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval but is expected to be completed in the next 30 days, the companies said. Greg Heckman, president and CEO, ConAgra Trade Group, said, "Our decision to sell the barge company is a strategic one.

At the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October, Townsend Bay Marine (TBM) and Lürssen Yachts formally announced the business relationship that the companies forged quietly several months ago, when Lürssen became the majority shareholder in the Port Townsend, Washington-based shipyard. In addition to allowing the two firms to share technical expertise and resources, the alliance adds a composite shipbuilding component to Lürssen's unparalleled capabilities as well as providing customers with worldwide resources. In business for more than 125 years, Lürssen (www.lurssen.com) specializes in vessels up to 160 meters in length. Services include design, engineering, construction, repair and logistics as well as a complete training program.

Townsend Bay Marine (TBM) has launched the first in a series of 73-ft. SportBoats. Built for an overseas client to be used as a diveboat, the boat exceeded contract requirements and can reach 50 knots with a pair of MTU power plants driving Lips waterjets. The vessel is the first ever to make use of the new Lips composite jetdrives, which save weight and promise lower maintenance cost. "We are very pleased with the performance of the boat and her propulsion package," stated Paul Zeusche, TBM general manager. "The waterjets make an exciting package for all boating conditions, including those in the Northwest where floating debris often threatens traditional screw installations." Zeusche noted that TBM has already begun construction of a second SportBoat for a U.S. client.

Townsend Bay Marine LLC, a yachtbuilding and repair company based in Port Townsend, Wash. has received an order from Fr. Lurssen Werft of Bremen, Germany, to build a high-speed dive boat for a European client. The 73 ft. (22.2 m) composite yacht has been designed by British naval architect Don Shead for a September 2000 delivery. The vessel is powered by a pair of 1,800-hp Detroit Diesel MTU 16v2000 engines coupled to custom-designed 22-in. (558 mm) Lips LJ51E waterjet drives. The yacht's design cruising speed at half load is 40 knots.

Townsend Bay Marine LLC, a yachtbuilding and repair company based in Port Townsend, Wash. has received an order from Fr. Lurssen Werft of Bremen, Germany, to build a high-speed dive boat for a European client. The 73 ft. composite yacht has been designed by British naval architect Don Shead for a September 2000 delivery. The vessel is powered by a pair of 1,800-hp Detroit Diesel MTU 16v2000 engines coupled to custom-designed 22-in. Lips LJ51E waterjet drives. The yacht's design cruising speed at half load is 40 knots.