The following is text of a news release from Master Marine:
(BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala.) — Marine Chartering Associates LLC has signed a contract with Master Marine to build a Subchapter M compliant 67-by-28-foot 1,600-hp towboat, along with a second boat option. The towboat design was provided by Entech Designs LLC. The first vessel will be delivered and placed into service by the end of summer 2020.
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 1,400 rpm, coupled to Twin Disc 5321 gears. Devall Diesel Services is providing electrical power with two John Deere 4045 65-KW Tier 3 electronic-controlled generators, with the main engines, gears and generators cooled by R.W. Fernstrum keel coolers. A pair of HS Marine Propulsion four-blade stainless-steel propellers will provide thrust through two J&S Machine Works ABS Grade 2 propeller shafts with Thordon bearings, Thorplas bushings and shaft seals, with the steering system provided by Custom Hydraulic Components controlling two main steering rudders and four flanking rudders.
Schuyler Maritime will provide all rubber fendering around the perimeter of the vessel and push knees. Gulf Coast Air & Hydraulics Inc. will provide a pair of Quincy F325 reciprocating air compressors and ventilation fans. R.S. Price & Son, Inc. will provide a mini-split heat pump HVAC system in all interior spaces, with Blakeney Marine providing all custom woodwork and interior finishes. Donavon Marine will provide the large aluminum Diamond SeaGlaze windows, and Dales Welding and Fabricators will supply the aluminum exterior doors. Byrne Rice and Turner will provide a pair of Nabrico 40-7HE 40-ton deck winches.
Each boat shall have 15,600 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, 1.5 baths and a full galley arrangement.
