Bisso Towboat Accepts 4,000 ASD Tractor Tug

Bisso Towboat Co., Inc. announced the delivery of its new 4,000 HP ASD tractor tug Michael S.

Constructed at Main Iron Works, Houma, LA, the 100 by 38 by 13.5-ft Michael S. is powered by two Cat 3516B main engines, producing 2,000 hp each at 1,600 RPM, which drive two Ulstein-Aquamaster US205 MK2 z-drives. The Z-drives feature 90.6 inch diameter by 82.4 inch pitch four blade stainless steel propellers set in stainless steel nozzles and the estimated bollard pull is 60 tons.

Electrical service is provided by a pair of 99 KW Marathon Mariner generators powered by John Deere 6068TFM76 engines. Deck equipment includes a Markey DYSF-42 hydraulic bow winch equipped with 500 ft of eight inch circumference Plasma line and a Washington Chain and Supply RSRH100 100-ton quick release tow hook.

Auxiliary equipment includes USCG-approved engine room monitoring and fire/smoke alarm systems, complete electronics package featuring Simrad Autopilot/GPS heading sensor, Foruno radar with chart plotter and Foruno depth meter, Heli-Sep Oily/Water separator, Owens Kleen tank sewage treatment plant and 500 gpm fire monitor.

Other features include sound proof insulation throughout crew quarters and engine room, stainless steel deck bitts and bow staple, four bunk rooms with seven crew berths, and flat screen TV’s and DVD players in all bunk rooms.

Tankage includes capacity for the following:
Diesel Fuel    30,163 gallons
Potable Water    10,938 gallons
Lube/Hydraulic Oil    1,826 gallons each
Dirty Oil    1,678 gallons

The Michael S. will carry a four man crew, has an ABS International Loadline and achieved ISM Safety Certification by ABS.

The Michael S. is the third ASD tractor tug built for Bisso by Main Iron Works. The Michael S. brings the total number of ship-assist tugs operated by Bisso on the River to twelve. An official christening ceremony for the Michael S. will take place in late September.

We would also like to announce that we have reached an agreement with Main Iron Works to begin construction of another 4,000 hp ASD tractor tug. The as yet unnamed new tug will be an almost exact carbon copy of the Michael S. and construction is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2010 with delivery expected in mid-2011.