The anchor-handling tug Isabelle has rejoined the TradeWinds Towing fleet after a complete refit of its propulsion and towing capabilities.
Drydock work was carried out at the Main Iron Works yard in Houma, La., where the tug was built in 1978. Additional outfitting work was completed at TradeWinds’ own facility in Amelia, La.
The 126-foot, 195-ton boat’s main propulsion system – twin EMD 16-645-E7 diesel engines, producing a total of 5,750 hp – was completely overhauled with connections to Kort nozzles made through a pair of Falk marine gear boxes.
A 250-hp Thrust Master bow thruster was also fitted to improve Isabelle’s maneuverability.
With a bollard pull of 81.75 tons, the boat is fitted with towing equipment that includes a SMATCO 66 DAW200 double-drum waterfall winch; 2,400 feet of 2-1/4-inch tow wire and 2,000 feet of 2-1/4-inch anchor-handling wire.
In addition, Isabelle – rated ABS A1-class and Jones Act-compliant – has a bow capstan and 100-ton capacity with a stern roller capable of landing 15-ton anchors and Smith Berger 200-ton Shark Jaws with hydraulic tow pins.
Salvage gear consists of twin 3-inch diesel trash pumps, a welding machine, and two line-throwing guns. Tankage includes 135,000 gallons of diesel fuel; 3,528 gallons of lube oil; 707 gallons of hydraulic oil; with 24,000 gallons of potable water. An FCI Aquamiser 1,200 gallon-per-day water maker was also installed.
The refit included a complete upgrade to the boat’s electronics suite, modern electronics and alarm systems, a gyro compass, a Rosepoint ECS, and KVH satellite internet with a phone and email system.
TradeWinds has a fleet of nine ocean-going tugboats at work in U.S., and South and Central America and Caribbean waters.