Versatile Tug for Port of Toronto
When the Port of Toronto’s 45-year-old single screw tug, William Rest, got some hull damage while breaking ice, the incident lent new impetus to plans for a new boat. Like the original, the new boat would do a variety of tasks from tending to dredging, and icebreaking as well as assisting the Toronto Police and Toronto Fire Service marine units. Ports Toronto issued a call for tenders with a budget and set of requirements. Well know Ontario-based builder Hike Metals, approached the Vancouver-based naval architect firm of Robert Allan Ltd for a design. It was this design that helped Hike win the bid. It was specified that this boat, like its predecessor, should have a single engine. While the older boat was not designed to break ice, the new one will have ice-breaking capabilities.
Ports Toronto Gives Shape to Robert Allan Tug
The Iron Guppy, a new custom 20 metre (65') ice breaking tug designed by Robert Allan Ltd of Vancouver is taking shape at Hike Metal Products Ltd in Wheatley, Ontario. The tug is under construction for Ports Toronto and will replace the 1961 vintage William Rest which has served the port well for many years. Iron Guppy was named by Waterfront Elementary School students from a longlist of names developed by students from kindergarten up to Grade 6. The new tug carries over some of the old tug's characteristics such as size, power, and single fixed pitch propeller that the crew have become accustomed to. With a special ice breaking bow…
