New Fully-electric Towboats Will be the First in the US
A series of four fully-electric, zero-emissions towboats announced this week are set to become the first built in North America as vessel owners and operators continue to explore new avenues to decarbonize.The new towboats, designed to support cleaner container transport in America's ports and inland waterways, will be built for New York-based Zeeboat and available for charter from 2025. Notably, they'll run entirely on battery power, without the use of diesel engines—a first…
The ABB Electric Tow Boat Beckons to Inland Operators
Long a staple for offshore service providers, a more compact and carefully designed version of the diesel electric option is now available for inland pushboats. For budget conscious operators (and who isn’t, in this environment?), the stars may finally be aligned.For many years, electric propulsion has proven to be a viable propulsion solution for many different types of vessels. Most familiar to workboat stakeholders would be the advent of the ‘diesel electric’ offshore serve providers (OSV) that became commonplace during the offshore boom era. Those vessels operated in a different regulatory environment, with the emphasis more leaning towards operational efficiencies and fuel economy.
Shearer Group Continues to Expand
The Shearer Group, Inc. (TSGI) announced the continued expansion of its naval architecture and marine engineer practice near Houston. Over the past year the company has made five new additions: Joshua Sebastian, P.E., Engineer Manager; Michael Capitain, Naval Architect; Ronald P. Sikora, Designer; Jacqueline Ellis, Designer; and Jo Ann Pitzer, Administrative Assistant. Joshua Sebastian graduated in 1999 from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a degree in Naval Architecture/Marine Engineering.
Bristol Designs Two 14k BBL Tank Barges
Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. (BHGI), has been contracted by Metal Trades, Inc. of Hollywood, South Carolina to design two 14,000 BBL Double Hull Oil Tank Barges to carry ‘D’ and ‘E’ grade fuels for the U.S. Navy. Metal Trades is building the new barges as a sub-contractor to Maybank Industries, LLC based in Charleston, SC. The 200.f ft x 52 ft x 16.5 ft sister vessels are fully compliant with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and are classed ABS Maltese Cross A1 Oil Tank Barge Unmanned Ocean Service. The first hull, YON 330, has been built and delivered to begin service at the U.S. Naval Fuel Depot.
