Blount/Barker Pens Contract For Marine Tug

Blount/Barker Shipbuilding signed a contract with Buchanan Marine, New Haven, Conn., for the construction of an 85 ft. (25.9 m), 2,400 hp all welded, Twin Screw tug.

Powered by twin CAT 3512 engines, twin disc gears and two 65 kW generators, the tug's hull and superstructure plans have been contracted via Bristol Harbor Marine Design, which will utilize CAD/CNC technology for all lofting and cutting. The tug will be keel cooled and equipped with two, four-blade stainless steel propellers measuring 70-78-in., as well as two pushing winches and an Almond Johnson towing machine.

Used for harbor and ocean towing of bulk material barges, the tug is scheduled to commence construction in early April for a November completion.