4,000 hp Z-Drive Tug Delivered to Crescent Towing

Bollinger Shipyards delivered Savannah, a 4,000-hp, Z-Drive tug, to Crescent Towing of New Orleans. Savannah - which measures 96 x 34 x 14.75 ft. - is Crescent Towing's 24th tug overall, and is the second Z-drive tug.

Savannah is powered by two Caterpillar 3516B diesel engines developing a total of 4,000 hp, driving two Ulstein 1650H Z-Drives connected to NiBrAl propellers in nozzles. Each Z-Drive unit can be operated independently through 360 degrees.

Ed Bazemore, Crescent Towing vice-president and port manager in Savannah, Ga., said "This vessel and its technology are needed here. Upon her arrival she will be used to work LNG and container ships. Ships are becoming larger and growing in length, beam and draft…she has the power we need and will be a workhorse and utilized heavily." Savannah's captain is Walt Schaaf and its chief engineer is William Cazaubon.

Electricity for the boat's hotel loads and other systems is produced by two Caterpillar generator sets, each supplying 90 kW. Designed by Jensen Maritime Consultants, Inc. of Seattle, Savannah's pilothouse has 360-degree visibility, which is unencumbered by exhaust stacks or other equipment. Inside the pilothouse is a full complement of electronic and control equipment including: main engine and vessel controls; depth recorder; GPS; radars; radio and public address systems; and speed log. A 2,000-gpm fire monitor is located atop the pilothouse to fight off-ship fires. Savannah's fore deck is fitted with a Coastal Marine Equipment Model 1E28-200A3-247-21 double drum escort winch and her aft deck is equipped with a single capstan, Coastal Marine Equipment Model C35-20-93-11. The new tug has accommodations for six persons in three cabins and a galley that serves six. A Red Fox sanitation system is installed for effluent control.The tug is classed ABS load line and U.S. Coast Guard certificated Subchapter C.