Bay-Houston Towing Co. contracted with Orange Shipbuilding Co., Inc. of Orange, Texas to produce a second generation Robert Allan Ltd. designed Z-Tech tug. · The forward deck (over the skeg) has a low, flat sheer, creating a spacious, relatively flat and safe working deck, without any obstructive anchor chains, etc. · For "sea-going" operations, the Z-Tech tug works astern in tractor mode, so the shape of this part of the hull is more rounded in plan than would typically be seen in an ASD design. There is no appreciable loss of speed in this direction of operation. The increased flare and freeboard at the "aft" end is simply to ensure a drier operation when towing in this direction. · Only one winch is required for both harbor and coastal towing operations.
