ESG Sees Green With its Tier IV Thunderbolt Design
Eastern Shipbuilding’s forward-thinking inland towboat design now features CAT Tier 4 propulsion and aftertreatment. When Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) introduced its cutting edge 4,000 hp Thunderbolt inland towboat designed around twin azimuthing AAA Propulsion electric V-Pod propulsion and diesel-electric technology back in 2015, the approach was collaborative, with input from operators, naval architects (Gilbert Associates, Inc. (GAI)) and propulsion OEM’s. In selecting the podded propulsion system for inclusion on the design, Eastern met with two inland owner/operators that had Z-Drive towboats, and others that didn’t. Starting as far back as 2013, listening to each and noting their concerns, it was decided that the V-Pod was the best solution.
Horizon to Build 80-foot Tug for FMT
Horizon Shipbuilding, Inc. of Bayou La Batre, Ala. said it signed of a contract with long-time customer Florida Marine Transporters to build one 80’ towboat, with two option vessels. Horizon said that FMT has been a customer for nearly seven years, and FMT’s continued business is largely responsible for its success and ability to expand capacities and capabilities. Jeff Brumfield, FMT’s New Construction Manager, created the design and has worked along with John Gilbert and Associates to bring the design to reality.