The following is text of a news release from McAllister Towing:
(NEW YORK) — McAllister Towing has announced the arrival of Eileen McAllister, the 34th tractor tug in the company’s fleet.
Eileen McAllister is powered by Caterpillar 3516E Tier 4 engines with twin Schottel SRP 490 z-drive units. Packed into its 93-by-38-foot hull is 6,770 horsepower. It achieved over 84 metric tons during its ABS bollard pull certification. Eileen McAllister will soon join sibling vessel Tate McAllister as the most powerful tugs in Port Everglades, Fla. Markey winches on the bow and stern allow safe and efficient ship docking.
Eileen McAllister was delivered by Washburn & Doughty on April 6 and set sail for its new home port. The months-long construction of the tug was overseen by Engineering Manager Martin Costa and Fleet Engineer Jamie Thibodeaux.
“Eileen McAllister was constructed specifically to meet the needs of handling the ever-increasing size of vessels calling into Port Everglades," said Capt. Chuck Runnion, McAllister Towing's Port Everglades vice president and general manager. "This tug, along with Tate McAllister, will be able to safely handle these ships and even larger ones with exceptional control and power. The McAllister team in Port Everglades are proud and motivated to be able to bring the newest level of service to our customers.”
Eileen McAllister was christened at its launch by Eileen Buch, Eileen Duane Donovan, and Eileen Fitzsimons. The three Eileens are direct descendants of James McAllister, who founded McAllister Towing in 1864.