The following is the text of a news release from McAllister Towing:
(NEW YORK) — McAllister Towing has announced its latest newbuild plans with Horizon Shipbuilding Inc. based in Bayou La Batre, Ala. The 100-by-40-foot escort/rescue tugs will be powered by 3516E Tier 4 Caterpillar engines with Schottel SRP4000FP units producing 6,770 hp and 80 metric tons bollard pull. The tugs will be classified with ABS as Maltese Cross A-1 Towing, Escort Service, FiFi 1 and Maltese Cross AMS. The hull has been designed by Jensen Maritime for enhanced ship-docking abilities in addition to direct and indirect escorting. The tug has been designed and simulator-tested to assist new post-Panamax and ultra-large vessels. Towing machinery will include a Markey asymmetric render-recover winch on the bow and a Markey tow winch with a spool capacity of 2,500 feet of 2¼-inch wire on the stern.
Horizon Shipbuilding's president, Travis Short, said, "Horizon is proud of the fact that McAllister Towing has put their trust in us to build their most recent vessels and we intend to work hard to provide vessels that live up to the McAllister name. By using our Gordhead management software, I am confident we will be able to efficiently produce these state-of-the-art tugs on schedule and within budget. We look forward to the beginning of a long business relationship with our newest clients."
Horizon Shipbuilding is a shipyard specializing in the design and construction of ships, boats and barges up to 300 feet in length and 1,500 tons launch weight for domestic and international clients. Its proven customer base includes tug and barge operators, the offshore oil industry, cruise and diving industry, and specialized craft for the United States and foreign governments. Additional information can be found at www.horizonshipbuilding.com.
Upon delivery in early 2017, McAllister plans to name the first tug Capt. Brian A. McAllister after the company's chairman. The second tug will be named Rosemary McAllister, after his wife. The tugs will be the 31st and 32nd tractors and the first Tier 4 tugs in McAllister's fleet.
