Boston Towing and Transportation Company have contracted
with Robert Allan Ltd., Naval Architects of Vancouver, B.C., to design a pair of new
offshore LNG Terminal Support tugs to provide the services required for The
Neptune LNG LLC, Deep Water Port, offshore Massachusetts Bay. The larger of the new vessels, designated as an ASD 39/70 Class tug by Robert Allan Ltd., will be the first of its kind built and operated in North America, although there are numerous other RALdesigned tugs, including many of the similar RAstar Class tugs currently building worldwide for major oil and LNG terminals. The second vessel will be a modified RAmparts 3000 Class tug, which
will primarily be engaged in harbour duties, but will serve as the back-up vessel for the larger tug during service periods.
The new tugs will be suitable for a wide range of duties including harbour towage and ship-handling, fire-fighting, coastal towing, salvage and rescue towing operations, however the primary role will be standing by tankers using the offshore mooring buoy.