(LAPLACE, La.) — Master Marine Inc. has delivered the 67-by-28-foot Steel Skipper to Plimsoll Marine, the fourth pushboat that the builder is scheduled to deliver to the operator. All four were designed by Entech Designs LLC and are fully compliant with all U.S. Coast Guard regulatory requirements.
“Plimsoll Marine strives to provide the Lower Mississippi River with premier pushboat services utilizing the industry’s most modern and capable fleet of vessels. The delivery of the Steel Skipper marks another milestone in that effort,” said Angus R. Cooper III, president, Cooper/T. Smith.
“Our customers expect the safest, most efficient, reliable operations, and Plimsoll Marine’s world-class team and state-of-the-art vessels ensure we consistently exceed those expectations,” said Karl Gonzales, vice president of Plimsoll Marine.
The vessel is powered by two Laborde Products Mitsubishi 803-hp Tier 3 diesel marine engines operating at 1,400 rpm and coupled to Twin Disc 5321 gears. Laborde Products also supplied electrical power with two Northern Lights 65-kW Tier 3 electronic-controlled generators. R.W. Fernstrum supplied keel coolers.
A pair of Sound Propeller Services 70-by-48-by-7-inch, four-blade stainless-steel propellers provide thrust through two J&S Machine Works 7-inch ABS grade two propeller shafts with all Thordon Bearings, Thorplas bushings and shaft seals. Rio Controls & Hydraulics supplied the steering system for the two 7-inch main and four 7-inch flanking rudders.
Gulf Coast Air & Hydraulics provided a pair of Quincy reciprocating air compressors and ventilation fans. Schuyler Maritime supplied all 18-by-12-inch rubber fendering around the perimeter of the vessel and push knees.
R.S. Price & Son provided a Carrier mini-split HVAC system in interior spaces, with Blakeney Marine providing all custom woodwork and interior finishes. Donavon Marine supplied the large Bomar aluminum windows and Dales Welding and Fabricators provided the aluminum exterior doors. Wintech International supplied a pair of 40-ton deck winches and New World provided all electronics and communications, with an alarm system from Unlimited Control & Supply.
Each of the four pushboats has the capacity for 10,400 gallons of fuel, 4,359 gallons of potable water and 9,500 gallons of ballast water, along with providing a maximum working draft of 7 feet 9 inches. Each vessel is outfitted with three crew staterooms housing six crewmembers, with 1.5 baths and a full galley arrangement.
– Cooper/T. Smith
