McAllister’s latest Tier 4 tug arrives at Port of Virginia

(NORFOLK, Va.) — Jane McAllister, McAllister Towing’s newest Tier 4 tugboat, has arrived at its home in the Port of Virginia.

The 93-by-38-foot newbuild is equipped with two 3516E Caterpillar engines, producing 6,770 horsepower, linked to twin Schottel SRP 490 z-drives. The tug achieved over 91 short tons during its ABS bollard pull certification. The eco-friendly Caterpillar engines, combined with Markey winches on the bow and stern, make the vessel one of the most advanced and powerful ship-docking tractor tugs serving the port.

Jane McAllister was recently delivered by Washburn & Doughty and set sail for its new home port. The construction of the tug was overseen by Martin Costa, engineering manager for McAllister.

McAllister Towing photo

Capt. J. Elliott Westall, McAllister Towing of Virginia’s vice president and general manager, is excited by the tug’s arrival.

“The Jane will not only meet but exceed the needs, handling the ever-increasing size of vessels calling Virginia,” he said. “This tug is joining our fleet of six other tractor tugs and will enable us to continue safely handling the gentle giants calling the Port of Virginia. Having exceptional control and power, the Jane is the new ‘Queen of Hampton Roads,’ and everyone that works on or with her can be confident in her abilities to deliver unsurpassed service for our customers.”

“We are proud that the Jane is the 10th tug in our fleet with over 80 metric tons of bollard pull and escort capability, making our fleet one of the best in the country for the larger ships entering into service,” said McAllister President and CEO Brian Buckley McAllister.

Jane McAllister was christened at its launch by Jane Woodfield Morin, daughter of Alexandra McAllister Woodfield. Both Jane and Alexandra are direct descendants of James McAllister, who founded McAllister Towing in 1864.

– McAllister Towing

By Professional Mariner Staff