USACE Puts New Tug to Work

The USACE has put 59 ft. inland river towboat Davenport, built by Marine Builders, Utica, Ind., to work on the Upper Mississippi River system. The new steel-hulled vessel was designed by the USACE Marine Design Center, and is equipped with a galley and crew's quarters with accommodations for four. Davenport's primary duties include pushing rock barges and derrick boats, working year-round on the Mississippi River between Lock and Dam 10 and Lock and Dam 22, the Illinois River and connecting tributaries. It will operate out of the USACE's Rock Island District service base at LeClaire, Iowa. Propulsion is provided by two Cat 3406C marine diesels, rated 380 bhp at 1,800 rpm, turning Bird Johnson 48 x 34.6 in. wheels, through Twin Disc MG-516 4:1 gears. PTO drives on the 3406s power a Jastram Steering System, with main steering rudders controlled by the starboard engine and flanking rudders powered by the port engine. Davenport replaces USACE's Monmouth, a 42-ft., 330 bhp vessel built in 1943 and retired from service several years ago.