With larger ships now calling in at many East Coast ports, tugboat operators have responded by building more powerful azimuthing stern drive (ASD) tugboats that are more capable of safely docking, undocking and escorting the massive vessels.
Answering the call, Tony and Alex Savas, owners of Petchem Inc., had Christine S built for the company’s Port Canaveral, Fla.,fleet. Boasting 72.5 tons of bollard pull, the 5,000-hp, 80-foot tug packs abundant power for its size.
“It’s crazy nice, that boat,” said Alex Savas. “Everyone in the port is fascinated by the boat and I get nothing but good comments. It’s the most powerful permanent tug in the port.”
The new vessel, named for Tony’s daughter, is the first ASD tug in Petchem’s fleet. It replaces the original Christine S, a 96-foot utility boat with which the company began operations in Port Canaveral in 1983.
The Savas brothers landed a Navy contract in 1984 and added submarine fendering to their fledgling fleet of two older conventional tugs. The original Christine S was assigned the task of transferring submarine personnel. In 2004, after securing a permit to compete with Seabulk Towing in Port Canaveral, Petchem hired Farrell & Norton Naval Architects of Newcastle, Maine, and B&B Boat Builders of Bayou La Batre, Ala., to design and build the conventional tugs Elizabeth S and Michael S. Both were equipped for ship-assist work with a forward H-bitt but no winch.
To rationalize building a new tug with z-drive propulsion and a bow winch, Petchem sold Michael S to Mohawk Northeast of Groton, Conn. Mohawk, primarily a marine construction company, shortened the name to Michael. It also equipped the tug with a JonRie Inter Tech Series 515 towing winch.
この記事は Professional Mariner の American Tugboat Review 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Professional Mariner の American Tugboat Review 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Mariner's role still unknown as autonomous shipping gains speed
Mariners’ role still unknown as autonomous shipping gains speed
Piracy edges closer to home with wave of raids in southern Gulf
In the brief cellphone video recorded by a crewmember on the offshore supply vessel (OSV) Remas, the pirates walk back and forth on the deck of the ship, clenching their guns and using them to point as they order around the crew. Their faces are draped in clothing and bandanas.
Casualties
NTSB: Dredge hit Texas gas pipeline, causing fire that killed four
IMO emissions report raises new concerns about methane slip
A recent report from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reveals that global shipping emissions increased nearly 10 percent from 2012 to 2018, with the industry facing a growing challenge concerning methane slip.
Bay State brothers find industry niche by making old into new
Zero non-conformities is what you want to hear when the U.S. Coast Guard inspects your tugboat. Once you’ve prepared your vessel, the inspectors come aboard to peruse your paperwork. They ask you pointed questions, to which they expect straightforward answers. Perusal completed, they then scrutinize all of the related safety systems, from bilge to antennas — even the ship’s bell.
Signals
A year into the pandemic, thousands ‘essentially indentured’ on ships
Analysis points to faulty loading, low ballast in Golden Ray rollover
While the salvage of the sunken vehicle carrier Golden Ray has been delayed for months due to COVID-19 and the hurricane season, analysis by the U.S. Coast Guard has determined a possible cause for the rollover: a combination of vehicles placed too high on the ship’s decks, and not enough ballast water gave the placement of the cargo.
Seastreak newcomer pushing through dip in demand
Two years ago, Seastreak LLC took delivery of Seastreak Commodore, a 600-passenger fast ferry, from Gulf Craft of Franklin, La. Designed by Australia-based Incat Crowther, the vessel is the largest of its kind in the United States and was built to meet the burgeoning demand for service in the New York-New Jersey market.
New year in a new world: Navigating COVID's maritime realities
In a matter of days, the decorative time balls will drop, “Auld Lang Syne” will fill the air, and ships at anchor will sound their horns as the world welcomes in the new year.
Advanced props, rudders provide new efficiencies below the waterline
It took a decade or two from the invention of the marine propeller in the 19th century for the technology to become widely accepted. Thereafter, adoption has been nearly universal, but progress toward improved efficiencies has come in fits and starts.
