Crowley Christens Fifth Tractor Tug

Crowley Marine Services christened the fifth of its new Harbor-Class tractor tugs in Long Beach, Calif. Stephanie Goldberg, wife of Arco Marine executive Victor Goldberg, performed the tradition of christening Scout. The vessel was designed by Guido Perla and Associates, and constructed by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland, Wash., for Vessel Management Services, Inc. Each tug features Voith Schneider twin cycloidal propulsion and a hydrofoil-shaped skeg that provides greatly improved steering, control and seakeeping ability. In addition, the unique hydrodynamics of the hull result in increased tons of indirect steering and braking forces, which are available to assist or control a vessel at higher speeds. Scout is powered by two Caterpillar 3516-B engines, has a direct bollard pull of 109,500 lbs., a calculated indirect bollard pull in excess of 120 tons at 10 knots, and a free running speed of 14 knots.