 |
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the delivery of the M/V KIMBERLY HIDALGO (Hull 188) to Florida Marine Transporters, Inc. of Mandeville, LA. On Thursday, August 28, 2014, the 58th Inland Towboat constructed by Eastern Shipbuilding was delivered to Florida Marine.
In January 2013, Florida Marine Transporters, Inc. exercised options for five (5) additional 90’x32’x10’ Inland Towboats. In May 2014, the second of the five option towboats, the M/V JAMES DALE ROBIN, the 57th Towboat built by Eastern, was delivered to Florida Marine. On August 5, 2014, Florida Marine Transporters, Inc. signed the 6th vessel; this additional towboat brings the total to sixty-one (61) vessels contracted. This option vessel adds one more towboat that will be constructed from the design furnished by Gilbert Associates, Inc. of Boston, MA.
The three vessels recently delivered are in a series with EPA Tier 3 main propulsion engines and generators delivered to Florida Marine. The vessel is powered by two (2) Caterpillar 3512C Tier 3 diesel engines rated at 1,500 HP at 1,600 RPM provided by Louisiana Power Systems. The reduction gears are direct coupled Twin-Disc Model MG-5600 with a 6.04:1 reduction supplied by Stewart Supply, Inc. of Harvey, Louisiana. Electrical power is provided by two (2) 99kW John Deere 4045AFM85 99KW Tier 3 generator sets rated for 60 Hz, at 208 VAC provided by Kennedy Engine Company of Biloxi, MS. These diesel engines comply with the current EPA Tier 3/MARPOL control of emissions of nitrogen oxides from marine diesel engines.
This series of towboats originally began with a twenty-five (25) vessel contract with on-time deliveries starting in 2006. It has expanded to become the largest single builder single owner new construction program of the same class towboat design in United States history.
Florida Marine Transporters began 14 years ago with the vision of Mr. Dennis Pasentine, FMT’s CEO, to achieve excellence in the maritime industry. Together with committed shipmates and a strong work ethic, Florida Marine has developed into one of the largest inland marine companies. Florida Marine proudly serves its customers with one of the youngest towboat and tank barge fleets in the industry, shipping a variety of cargoes such as petrochemicals, chemicals, LPG, crude oil, agricultural liquids and dry cargo. Through the efforts of its experienced leadership team, and dedicated vessel and shore side employees, Florida Marine operates in a safe, environmentally sound and efficient manner.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. has two shipbuilding facilities in Panama City, Florida and has been in business since 1976; constructing new, converting and repairing vessels in steel and aluminum of all types including: offshore tugs, harbor tugs, barges, ATB’s, diesel electric supply vessels, research vessels, firefighting vessels, barges, ferries, passenger vessels, fishing vessels and towboats for both the commercial and government marine markets. Eastern Shipbuilding Group continues to remain a diversified shipbuilder with on-budget and on-time deliveries. These towboats continue to maintain Eastern Shipbuilding’s role as one of the largest manufacturers of Inland Towboats in the United States.
