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Escort Service News

07 Sep 2023

Gulf LNG Orders Four New Tugs

File photo: A Robert Allan Ltd. designed Z-Tech 30-80 tug delivered to Bay-Houston Towing Co. in 2021. (Photo: Robert Allan Ltd.)

Gulf LNG Tugs of Brownsville has ordered four new tugs to serve the Rio Grande LNG export facility (RGLNG), which has commenced construction in Brownsville, Texas.Gulf LNG Tugs is a joint venture formed between Bay-Houston Towing Co., Moran Towing Corporation and Suderman & Young Towing Company to provide tug services for RGLNG under a long-term tug services agreement.The company announced Tuesday it signed construction contracts with Coden, Ala. shipyard Master Boat Builders and Port Neches, Texas shipbuilder Sterling Shipyard.

13 Nov 2020

PSA Marine Takes Delivery of Two New Tugs

(Photo: Robert Allan Ltd.)

Singapore's PSA Marine recently took delivery of two new 32-meter harbor tugs, PSA Marvel and PSA Valkyrie, from PaxOcean Engineering Zhuhai Co.The newbuilds, which follow the PSA Thor and PSA Hulk delivered from the same builder in 2018, are of the same basic design with some improvements, said naval architect Robert Allan Ltd.The RAmparts 3200 ASD tugs are designed for ship assist in berthing and un-berthing operations at ports/terminals, coastal towing operations and in addition are capable of escort service.

08 Feb 2019

Next Generation of Z-Tech Tugs Arrive

Photo: Robert Allan Ltd.

At the end of 2018, Gulf Island Shipyards completed the first of ten Z-Tech 30-80 tugs, five of which were ordered by Bay Houston Towing Company through its operator G & H Towing Company in Galveston, Texas. The Z-Tech 30-80 tug Mark E. Kuebler evolved from the previous Z-Tech 7500 design for the same owner. Once again, the design team and client worked seamlessly addressing operational challenges the vessel will face. A main feature of this latest Z-Tech is incorporating Robert Allan Ltd.’s unique RAstar series sponsoned hull form into the existing Z-Tech design.

05 Sep 2018

Tug Pair Delivered to PSA Marine

PSA Thor (Photo: Robert Allan Ltd.)

In August 2018, PSA Marine Singapore took delivery of two new 32-meter tugs, PSA Thor and PSA Hulk, built at PaxOcean Engineering Zhuhai Co., Ltd.The evolved RAmparts 3200 ASD hull form has been developed by Robert Allan Ltd. to provide ship assist in the berthing and un-berthing operations in ports/terminals and also coastal towing operations. Tugs of this design are capable of escort service as well. PSA Thor and PSA Hulk feature a uniquely styled deckhouse and wheelhouse developed exclusively for PSA Marine.The two new tugs join to PSA Marine’s existing fleet…

25 Jan 2017

Eastern Delivers Tractor Tug to McAllister

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. has delivered the Twin Z-drive Reverse Tractor Tug JEFFREY McALLISTER to McAllister Towing and Transportation Co., Inc. on January 13, 2017. McAllister is honoring Captain Jeffrey McAllister as the vessels namesake. Capt. Jeffrey McAllister is a member of the fifth generation working at McAllister Towing. Jeff began his McAllister career in 1973 at the age of 18 when he worked as a deckhand on the fleet’s offshore crew boats. His rise at the company was attained the old-fashioned way by working his way up the hawse pipe. He worked on numerous McAllister tugs stationed everywhere from Aruba, Bonaire and eventually landing in the Port of New York. In 1977 he became a tug captain and in 1986 became a docking pilot.

05 Dec 2016

Cat EPA Tier 4 Engines for McAllister Tug Duo

Horizon Shipbuilding is in the process of installing the first production EPA Tier 4 certified units of its 3516E EPA CAT Marine engines, on a pair of tugs it is building for McAllister Towing & Transportation Co., Inc. The pair of 100 foot azimuth stern-drive (ASD) escort and rescue tugs will each be powered by two CAT Marine 3516E EPA Tier 4 engines rated at 3,386bhp, supported by three CAT C7.1 EPA Tier 3 gensets rated at 118ekW and two CAT C18 EPA Tier 3 803bhp fire pump engines (Fi-Fi). The equipment was delivered to Horizon Shipbuilding by Cat Marine dealers Thompson Cat and Foley Cat. New York-based McAllister Towing & Transportation Co, Inc. said the new tugs would be among the biggest operating in its fleet and on the East Coast. The first tug, the Capt. Brian A.

11 Oct 2016

Horizon Flips First Hull for McAllister

Photo: Horizon Shipbuilding

Horizon Shipbuilding, Inc. of Bayou La Batre, Ala. said it has reached milestone in its contract with McAllister Towing. The Capt. Brian A. McAllister, the first of up to four hulls, has been flipped and set on the shipbuilding ways. A considerable amount of work was performed while the hull was upside down including installation of all major pipe runs and manifolds, fabrication and installation of the cable trays and bulkhead penetrations and fender installation, the builder said. With the hull set, Horizon will be able to set the prefabricated and outfitted superstructure.

30 Aug 2016

Another Tug Launched for Suderman & Young

Poseidon (Photo: Eastern Shipbuilding Group)

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. said it launched on August 15, 2016 the final vessel in a series of four Z-Tech Class Terminal & Escort Tugs being constructed for Suderman & Young Towing Company. The tug Poseidon is scheduled to be delivered later in 2016. The launch ceremony was held at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility and hosted by Patrick D’Isernia, Project Manager of Eastern, with employees and guests in attendance. He spoke about the dedication and hard work of all of ESG’s employees, making the series of tugs a success.

23 Aug 2016

Eastern Delivers Escort Tug to Suderman & Young

(Photo: Eastern Shipbuilding Group)

On July 29, 2016, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. delivered Oceanus (Hull# 240), the third in series of four identical Robert Allan, LTD. (RAL) designed Z-Tech 2400 Class Terminal & Escort Tugs built for Suderman & Young Towing Company at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility. The first two vessels of the series, Triton (Hull #235) and the Neptune (Hull #237), have already been delivered. Eastern is also constructing four tugs for Bay-Houston Towing Co. G&H Towing Company is the owners’ onsite representative and agent during the engineering…

28 Jul 2016

Bay-Houston's New Escort Tug Launched

Laura B (Photo: Eastern Shipbuilding Group)

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. has launched Laura B, the final vessel in a series of four Robert Allan, LTD. (RAL) designed Z-Tech 2400 Class terminal and escort tugs built for Bay-Houston Towing Co. The Laura B is scheduled to deliver in 2016. The launch ceremony was on July 1, 2016 at the builder’s Nelson Street facility and hosted by Patrick D’Isernia, Project Manager at Eastern, with employees and guests in attendance. Deacon Tim Warner of St. John’s Catholic Church of Panama City, Fla.

26 Jul 2016

Two SAAM Tugs Christened in Chile

In early June, after a traditional blessing ceremony held in Valparaiso, Chile where SAAM S.A. is based, the company officially puts two more new Robert Allan Ltd. designed RAstar 3200 class tugs Yunco and Huairavo tugs into operation. Representatives of local authorities, the Chilean Navy, key customers, suppliers, executives and staff of SAAM attended the ceremony. SAAM identified these tugs as the ‘most powerful’ harbour tugs in the entire West Coast of South America. The two tugs arrived in Chile after a 60 day crossing of the Pacific from China where they were constructed by Bonny Fair Development Limited. Equipped with winches for escort service, the two tugs will provide a full range of ship-handling service to the LNG terminal in the Bay of Quintero.

08 Jul 2016

Eastern Delivers for Bay-Houston Towing

David B (Photo: Eastern Shipbuilding Group)

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. has delivered the escort tug David B for Bay-Houston Towing Co. on June 15, 2016. David B (ESG Hull #239) is the third in a series of four Robert Allan, LTD. (RAL) designed Z-Tech 2400 Class terminal and escort tugs currently under construction at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility for Bay-Houston Towing Co. The lead vessel in the series, H. Douglas M (ESG Hull #236), was delivered on February 5, 2016. Eastern is also constructing another identical series of four tugs for Suderman & Young Towing Company.

02 Jun 2016

Eastern Delivers Escort Tug to Bay-Houston Towing

ZYANA K (Photo: ESG)

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. announced the delivery of the Escort Tug ZYANA K for Bay-Houston Towing Co. on May 5, 2016. This series of Robert Allan, LTD. (RAL) designed Z-Tech 2400 Class Terminal & Escort Tugs is currently under construction at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility. The ZYANA K (ESG Hull #238) is the second in a series of four Z-Tech Class Terminal & Escort Tugs being constructed for Bay-Houston Towing Co. The H. DOUGLAS M (ESG Hull #236), the lead vessel in the series, delivered on February 5, 2016.

11 May 2016

Tug Launched for Suderman & Young at Eastern

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. launched the Escort Tug OCEANUS for Suderman & Young Towing Company on April 26, 2016. This series of Robert Allan, LTD. (RAL) designed Z-Tech 2400 Class Terminal & Escort Tugs is currently under construction at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility. The vessel is scheduled for delivery later in July 2016. The launch ceremony was held at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility and hosted by Joey D’Isernia, President of Eastern, with employees and guests in attendance. He spoke about the dedication and hard work of all of ESG’s employees, making the series of tugs a success. Father Roy Marien of St. John’s Catholic Church of Panama City blessed the vessel and Eastern’s own, accounting assistant Carol McMillin, had the honor of christening the vessel.

21 Apr 2016

Eastern Cranking Out Escort Tugs

Neptune (Photo: Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.)

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. delivers the escort tug Neptune to Suderman & Young Towing Company and launches the Escort Tug David B to Bay-Houston Towing Co. Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. has delivered the escort tug Neptune (Hull# 237) on March 28, 2016. The Neptune is the second in series of four identical Robert Allan, LTD. (RAL) designed Z-Tech 2400 Class terminal and escort tugs currently under construction for Suderman & Young Towing Company at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility.

03 Mar 2016

Eastern Shipbuilding Launches the Zyana K

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. has launched the Escort Tug ZYANA K (Hull 238) for Bay-Houston Towing Co. on February 19, 2016. A series of four Robert Allan, LTD. (RAL) designed Z-Tech 2400 Class Terminal & Escort Tugs is currently under construction at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility. The ZYANA K is scheduled to deliver in 2016. The launch ceremony was held at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility and hosted by Patrick D’Isernia, Project Manager at Eastern, with employees and guests in attendance. Patrick praised the Eastern employees for all their hard work and G&H Towing for their commitment to the project. Deacon Earl Mirus of St. John’s Catholic Church of Panama City, FL. blessed the vessel. Jennie Frey had the honor of christening the vessel.

24 Feb 2016

Eastern Shipbuilding Delivers H. DOUGLAS M

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. delivered the Escort Tug H. DOUGLAS M for Bay-Houston Towing Company on February 5th, 2016. This series of Robert Allan, LTD. (RAL) designed Z-Tech 2400 Class Terminal & Escort Tugs is currently under construction at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility. The H. DOUGLAS M (ESG Hull #236) is the first in a series of four (4) Z-Tech Class Terminal & Escort Tugs being constructed for Bay-Houston Towing Company. Eastern is also constructing another identical series of four (4) tugs for Suderman & Young Towing Company. G&H Towing Company is the Owners’ onsite Representative and Agent during the engineering, construction and delivery for both Bay-Houston and Suderman & Young. G&H Towing Company will operate the vessels after delivery.

22 Jan 2016

Eastern Launches Tug for Suderman & Young

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. launched the Escort Tug NEPTUNE for Suderman & Young Towing Company on January 5, 2016. This series of Robert Allan, LTD. (RAL) designed Z-Tech 2400 Class Terminal & Escort Tugs is currently under construction at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility. The vessel is scheduled to deliver in the second quarter of this year. The launch ceremony was held at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility and hosted by Joey D’Isernia, President of Eastern, with employees and guests in attendance. Mike Nigro, V.P. of G&H Towing shared a few words about the quality work and commitment of the companies involved, Mike’s wife Lisa and Father Roy Marien of St. John’s Catholic Church of Panama City blessed the vessel.

12 Jan 2016

McAllister Towing to Build Tractor Tugs at Horizon

Captain Brian A. McAllister, Chairman McAllister Towing and Travis Short, President Horizon Shipbuilding at the 2015 International Workboat Show.

McAllister Towing continues its long, 150-plus year hisory of serving the maritime industry announcing investment in two new boats sporting the latest technology. McAllister Towingis announced that Horizon Shipbuilding, Inc. of Bayou La Batre, AL, will build 100 x 40-ft. Escort/Rescue tugs for the company, vessels powered by 3516E Tier IV Caterpillar engines with Schottel SRP4000FP units producing 6,770 hp and 80 metric tons bollard pull. The tugs will be classified with ABS as Maltese Cross A-1 Towing, Escort Service, FiFi 1 and Maltese Cross AMS.

29 Dec 2015

ESG Delivers Escort Tug Triton

(Image: ESG)

In early December 2015 Eastern Shipbuilding Group delivered the Escort Tug TRITON for Suderman & Young Towing Company. These series of Robert Allan, LTD. (RAL) designed Z-Tech 2400 Class Terminal & Escort Tugs are currently under construction at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility. TRITON (Hull #235) is the first of a series four (4) Z-Tech Class Terminal & Escort Tugs being constructed for Suderman & Young Towing Company. Eastern is also building another identical series of four (4) tugs for Bay-Houston Towing Company.

27 Nov 2015

Escort Tug Launched for Bay-Houston Towing

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. announced the launch of the Escort Tug H. DOUGLAS M (Hull 236) for Bay-Houston Towing Company on November 17, 2015. This series of Robert Allan, LTD. (RAL) designed Z-Tech 2400 Class Terminal & Escort Tugs is currently under construction at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility. The H. DOUGLAS M is scheduled to deliver in early 2016. The launch ceremony was held at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility and hosted by Joey D’Isernia, President of Eastern, with employees and guests in attendance. Mr. D’Isernia praised all the hard work by the employees and Father Roy Marien of St. John’s Catholic Church of Panama City, FL. blessed the vessel. Joey’s daughter, Blair, had the honor of christening the vessel.

07 Oct 2015

Eastern Launches Tug for Suderman & Young

Triton (Photo: Eastern Shipbuilding Group)

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. announced it has launched escort tug Triton for Suderman & Young Towing Company on September 11, 2015. The launch ceremony was held at Eastern’s Nelson Street facility and hosted by Joey D’Isernia, President of Eastern, with employees and guests in attendance. Mike Nigro, V.P. of G&H Towing shared a few words about the quality work and commitment of the companies involved and Deacon Earl Mirus of St. John’s Catholic Church of Panama City blessed the vessel. Mikes wife, Lisa had the honor of christening the vessel.

20 Jul 2015

Shore Leave: Re-think on Balancing Security, Seafarer Rights

(Photo: Alex Sergienko)

Before port states became hyper-sensitive to security issues, shore leave was natural part of a seafarer’s life. You worked long and hard hours at sea, often for extended periods of time on long voyages. When the ship reached port, you went ashore and decompressed, connecting with family and friends. That and much more changed after the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. The IMO adopted the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code mandating enhanced security onboard vessels subject to the SOLAS Convention.