Southcoast Electric Systems News

The first of a series of 12,000 hp ATB tugs being built for U.S. Shipping Partners, L.P. was recently launched. But the occasion was devoid of the usually expected thrill and large splash. The building site lacked suitable launching ways so a different, somewhat less dramatic, method was devised. Using multiple tired high capacity transporters the tug was rolled onto a barge, then towed to a graving dock. The graving dock was drained to allow the tug to be freed from the then ballasted barge. The dock was then filled with about as much excitement as turning a tap to fill a tub allowing the tug to float free in its element. Guarino & Cox, L.L.C.