Crowley Receives Last Of Tractor Tug Series

Crowley Marine Services has accepted the final vessel in a series of six new Harbor-Class tractor tugs from the company's subsidiary, Vessel Management Services, Inc. (VMS). The vessel, known as Chief, will be deployed in Puget Sound for ship assist and escort work. Designed by Seattle-based Guido Perla and Associates and constructed by Nichols Brother Boat Builders, for VMS, each of the six Harbor Class tugs features Voith Schneider twin cycloidal propulsion. Chief is powered by two Caterpillar 3516B engines and has a direct bollard pull of 111,500 lbs., with a free running speed of 14 knots.