Luling, La. — Bisso Towboat Co., Inc. has signed an agreement with Main Iron Works, LLC, of Houma, La., to begin construction of a 5,000-hp ASD tractor tug.
The new vessel will share the same hull form as the 6,008-hp Capt. Joseph Bisso that entered service in January 2022, albeit with less-powerful engines.
The tug will feature two Caterpillar 3516E Tier 4 main engines each generating 2,500-hp at 1600 rpm. The engines will drive Kongsberg US205S azimuthing thrusters with 2400-mm (94.5 inches) diameter stainless steel propellers in stainless steel nozzles. Bollard pull is estimated at 66 tons.
Auxiliary equipment will include a JonRie Series 240 escort winch, 118-kW Caterpillar C4.4 generator sets and a 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 6th ASD tractor tug constructed by Main Iron Works for Bisso in the past eight years. It will further enhance Bisso’s position as the largest operator of ASD tractor tugs serving the Mississippi River ship-assist trade. The new vessel will be the 10th ASD tractor tug in the company’s fleet.
Construction is scheduled begin in late 2022. Delivery is expected in early 2024.
