Nichols Brothers launches tugboat for Kirby Offshore Marine

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The following is the text of a news release from Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB):

(FREELAND, Wash.) — On May 2, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders launched the first of two 120-by-35-by-19-foot twin-screw tugboats for Kirby Offshore Marine (KOM). M/V Mount Baker will join KOM’s fleet in May while the sister ship M/V Mount Drum will be delivered in November. These vessels will be the third and fourth vessels NBBB has delivered to KOM in the past year.

The tugboats are a Jensen Maritime Consultants of Seattle design. They are fully ABS classed, including UWILD notation, and compliant with U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter C, as required at delivery.

The boats are powered by two Caterpillar 3516C main engines producing 2,447 hp at 1,600 rpm, with Reintjen reduction gears turning two Nautican fixed-pitched propellers with fixed nozzles. These vessels also have two John Deere 6090AFM85 generators for electrical service. Deck machinery includes one TESD-34 Markey tow winch, one CEW-60 Markey electric capstan, and one M&S Marine Solutions tow pin.

Kirby Offshore Marine is the largest United States operator of coastal tank barges and towing vessels participating in the regional distribution of refined petroleum products, black oil and crude oil, as well as the distribution of petrochemicals between petroleum administration and defense districts.

By Professional Mariner Staff