AmNav Maritime Services of San Francisco, Calif., is set to take delivery of the first in a new series of technologically advanced 5,000 to 7,000 hp Azmuthing Stern Drive (ASD) ship assist tugs to be built by Halter Marine, Inc. of Gulfport, Miss. Merritt added, "the 'Enhanced ASD Thruster Tugs' design integrates a wide beam and forward skeg hull form, ASD propulsion units, high performance engines, remotely controlled winches and an automated wheelhouse command system to meet the challenging demands of efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible ship handling requirements of today's modern ports and terminal facilities. "The first 'Enhanced ASD Thruster Tug,' scheduled for delivery in May, 2001, will be 6,250 horse power with principle hull dimensions of 98 ft. in length, 40 ft.