Eastern Launches RApport2400 Tug

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, a shipbuilder based in Panama City, Florida, has recently launched the RApport 2400 tug C.D. White, a ship-assist / escort tug for E.N. Bisso & Son Inc. of New Orleans LA.

Designed by Robert Allan Ltd. it is first of two tugs of the same design being built by Eastern for E.N. Bisso. The tug is designed and built to USCG Subchapter M.

Though very similar to the tug Gladys B, delivered in to E.N. Bisso in 2016, the design incorporates modifications in order to better accommodate the owner’s operational requirements, regulatory changes and different main machinery.

"The vessel has been designed to the highest standards of outfitting for an operating crew of up to six. A pantry, mess, store and wet space are located on the main deck and three double berth cabins are located below deck forward," said a press note from Robert Allan Ltd.

The tug has been outfitted for safe and efficient performance of escort, ship assist, harbor towing and fire-fighting. The deck machinery comprises a Markey DEPCF-42 HS electric escort winch on the bow, spooled with 500 feet of 8” circumference HMPE line on a single drum, and a tow post with Markey CEPB-40 5 HP capstan and Washington Chain & Supply tow hook provided on the aft deck.

Main propulsion for the tug comprises of a pair of Caterpillar 3512E, EPA Tier 4 certified diesel engines, each rated 2549 bhp at 1800 rpm, and driving a Kongsberg US205 P20 FP Z-drive unit with Ø2500 mm propeller.

The electrical plant consists of two identical John Deere 4045AFM85 diesel generators, each with a power output of 99 ekW packaged by Kennedy Engine Company. The tug is fitted with an off-ship fire-fighting system with a Counterfire ES-125-400 1,500 GPM pump driven off the front PTO of one generator via a Logan clutch.

Ship-handling fenders at the bow consist of one tier of 32” OD x 16” ID cylindrical fenders at the forecastle deck level and 24”x12” M-type fenders below main deck level. The same type M fender is used at the stern and a double strake of 37” diameter tire fenders along the sheer lines of main deck. There is a single strake of 12” hollow “D” submarine fender along the hull side.