The following is text of a news release from Master Marine:
(BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala.) — Master Marine, Inc. has signed six towboats and has laid the keels for the first two vessels.
All six vessels will be 67-foot x 28-foot Entech Designs, LLC Subchaper M compliant towboats. The first two will be working for Osage Marine Services, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri, with the rest operating in the Lower Mississippi River system for an undisclosed customer. We are very happy to be teaming up with these companies to provide them and their customers the latest towboats and equipment available along with meeting Subchapter M requirements.
The first two vessels will be delivered and placed into service, by the summer of 2019 with the additional four vessels to follow in close succession.
Each boat will be powered by a pair of Laborde Products, S6R2-Y3MPTAW Mitsubishi 803-hp Tier 3 diesel marine engines to be operated at 1400 rpm coupled to Twin Disc 5321 gears. Laborde Products, Inc. is also providing electrical power with two Northern Lights 65-kW Tier III electronic controlled generators with R.W. Fernstrum, Inc. keel coolers throughout.
A pair of Sound Propeller Services, Inc. 70-inch 4-blade stainless steel props will provide thrust through two J & S Machine Works Inc. 7-inch ABS Grade 2 propeller shafts with all Thordon Marine Industries Corporation bearings, Thorplas bushings and shaft seals. Custom Hydraulic Components, Inc. will be supplying the steering system for the two flanking rudders. Gulf Coast Air & Hydraulics Inc. to provide a pair of Quincy F325 reciprocating air compressors and ventilation fans. Schuyler Maritime, LLC will provide all rubber fendering around the entire perimeter of the vessel and push knees.
R.S. Price & Son, Inc. will provide a Mitsubishi mini-split heat pump HVAC system in all interior spaces with Blakeney Marine providing all custom woodwork and interior finishes. Donovon Marine to provide the large aluminum Diamond SeaGlaze windows and Dales Welding and Fabricators, LLC will supply the aluminum exterior doors. Dickson Marine Supply to provide a pair of Wintech 40-ton deck winches and New World, Inc. will provide all of the electronics and communications. Unlimited Control & Supply, Inc. to supply the alarm system.
Each boat shall have 10,400 gallons of fuel, 4,359 gallons of potable water and 9,500 gallons of ballast water along with providing a maximum 7-foot, 9-inch working draft. Each vessel will have three crew staterooms, 1 1/2 baths and a full galley arrangement.
