The following is the text of a press release issued by Derecktor Shipyards:
(BRIDGEPORT, Ct.) — Derecktor Shipyards, who has sixty years of shipbuilding experience and is known worldwide for building high-quality yachts and commercial vessels, has signed a contract for two Robert Allan designed, offshore terminal tugs for BTT.
This contract includes the building of a 128’, 5400hp, CP Z Drive, FiFi 1, Offshore Support Vessel that will be based in Gloucester, Massachusetts, under long term contract with Neptune LNG, an affiliate of Suez LNG North America, as well as a smaller 98’ Ramparts 3000, 5400hp, CP Z Drive, FiFi 1 tug that will operate in Boston harbor and act as backup to the larger vessel, as well as assist in the harbor transits and dockings of all LNG carriers calling on the Distrigas Of Massachusetts LNG facility in Everett.
The larger tug will incorporate Robert Allan Ltd.’s latest hull design, for optimization of sea keeping, fuel efficiency and crew comfort. The smaller tug is a proven design of which there are numerous examples currently operating around the world.
These tugs will incorporate controllable pitch propellers with the Z Drives, and will be the first application of this type, for Rolls Royce in the United States. This allows the FiFi Class One fire pumps to be driven off the main engines, which saves a great deal of weight and cost by eliminating the fire pump engines found on all other FiFi Class One vessels. The CP drives are also expected to optimize bollard pull, fuel efficiency and vessel speed. One tug will be assigned to the Neptune Deep Water Port at all times.
The larger tug will be able to self-load up to three containers for cargo operations, while the smaller tug will have deck space for one container. The vessel will also have radiantly heated decks and bow bulwark caps, as well as carbon fiber drive shafts. This is a tremendous opportunity for BTT to expand its presence in Massachusetts Bay as well as the U.S. LNG market. BTT already has a long-standing relationship with its customer, Suez LNG North America at its Everett Facility. With this contract BTT will continue to be one of the preeminent LNG tug companies in the country. The 39 meter vessel will be ready for acceptance in Bridgeport, CT, June 2009, with the 30 meter vessel to follow four months later.
“Boston Towing is pleased that Derecktor Shipyard was able to fit the construction of our new tugs into their busy schedule. Combining the Quality of Derecktor and the ‘second best is not good enough’ attitude of our customer, Suez LNG, these could be two of the best Z-Drive LNG assist tugs in the country,” says Vincent (Jake) Tibbetts, President of Boston Towing & Transportation.
Boston Towing & Transportation is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reinauer Companies. BTT’s corporate offices, fleet and support facilities are located on 17 acres of waterfront, in East Boston, Massachusetts. BTT has divisions which are engaged in ship docking, general towing, docking pilots, marine construction, internal fleet maintenance, marine services, dockspace and building rental.
“We are delighted to work with Boston Towing & Transportation, a company that appreciates Derecktor Shipyards top quality level workmanship.” Paul Derecktor, president of Derecktor Shipyards.
