S&Y’s Newest Tug Completes Sea Trials
Suderman and Young Towing Company, L.P. (S&Y) announced the completion of the sea-trials for its newest tug Thor. The tug features Z-Tech drive, and is touted as the first of its kind in the western hemisphere, with only four other Z-Tech vessels operating in the world. The Z-Tech design incorporates the best of the design features from standard tug Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) and Z-drive configurations. With its 360 degree turning wheel the design improves maneuverability while the Thor Z-Tech’s much larger skeg boosts towing capability and directional stability.This new operational design will enable the tug to handle tomorrow’s larger container vessels more efficiently. “Because of the deepening, from 40 to 45 feet, and widening, from 400 to 530 feet, of the Houston Ship Channel, bigger ships will call into the Port of Houston’s Bayport Facility,” said Doyle. Designed to increase power, while providing more maneuverability, the THOR Z-Tech will be able to “move more water, more quickly,” according to Doyle. The Z-Tech design was developed by internationally renowned naval architect Robert Allan of Vancouver. Sponsor Gay N. Greer christened Tug Thor Saturday, July 14, 2007 at the Port of Houston’s Barbour’s Cut Container Terminal. More than 300 invited guests celebrated afterward in the Cruise Terminal.