(MORGAN CITY, La.) — Conrad Shipyard has been awarded a contract by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers for the design and construction of two CELRE Detroit icebreaking tugboats.
The vessels will handle various pieces of floating equipment on the St. Marys River, upper Great Lakes and Soo Harbor, as well as breaking ice up to 12 inches thick and performing ice-scraping operations at the St. Marys Falls Canal.
“Conrad has a long history with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and we have built several vessels currently in service around the country,” said Conrad Shipyard CEO Johnny Conrad. “We are proud to provide the Army Corps with two more top-quality vessels to service its Detroit District.”
The CELRE Detroit tugboats measure 76 by 25 feet, with a draft of 10 feet 8.5 inches. They are ABS classed as Maltese Cross A-1 Towing Vessels, Ice Class, Great Lakes Service with Maltese Cross AMS. Each vessel will also comply with U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter M requirements.
The diesel-powered, twin-screw, open-wheel tugs deliver 1,600 horsepower. They have deckhouses with a galley/mess, berths, and sanitary facilities for a crew of three.
– Conrad Shipyard