The following is text of a news release from Bisso Towboat:
(LULING, La.) — Bisso Towboat has signed an agreement with Main Iron Works of Houma, La., to begin construction of another new 6,008-hp Tier 4 compliant ASD tractor tug.
The tug will feature two Caterpillar 3516E Tier 4F main propulsion engines generating 3,004 hp each at 1,800 rpm. The engines will drive two Schottel SRP 460 FP azimuthing thrusters with 98.4-inch diameter stainless-steel propellers in stainless-steel nozzles. Estimated bollard pull will be 78 tons.
Auxiliary equipment will include a JonRie Series 240 escort winch, Caterpillar C4.4 118-kW generator sets and full complement of safety, monitoring and electronic equipment.
Tankage includes capacities for 30,162 gallons of diesel fuel, 1,442 gallons of lube oil, 1,442 gallons of hydraulic oil, 2,000 gallons of DEF and 9,538 gallons of potable water.
The new tug will be the fifth ASD tractor tug constructed by Main Iron Works for Bisso in the past six years and further enhance Bisso’s position of operating the largest fleet of ASD tractor tugs serving the Mississippi River ship-assistant trade.
Construction is scheduled to commence in August 2020 with delivery expected to in early fall of 2021.
