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First of four ASD escort tugs launched in Florida for Saltchuk
Eastern Shipbuilding is constructing a series of four azimuth stern drive tugboats for US owner, Saltchuk, for operation on the US West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii
Saltchuk Marine is expanding its fleet of tugboats operating in US ports in 2026 with four newbuilds under construction by Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) in Florida.
The Seattle, Washington-headquartered vessel owner witnessed the launch of the first of these 26-m escort tugs in mid-December 2025.
They are being built at ESG’s facilities in Allanton and Port St Joe to enhance safety, reliability and operational capability for ship escort and towage.
Saltchuk said they will operate in harbours across the US West Coast, Hawaii and Alaska when completed, with deliveries starting in Q1 2026.
Launching the first of these tugs shows ESG is making substantial progress on this significant fleet renewal programme.
“These four vessels set a new maritime standard that will positively impact the industry by meeting new rigorous environmental requirements.” said Saltchuk Marine president and chief executive Jason Childs.
They are being built to Robert Allan Ltd’s RAmport 2600 design with a moulded beam of 13 m, a moulded depth of 4 m, navigation draught of 6 m and accommodation for eight crew members.
Their propulsion consists of two Caterpillar-manufactured Cat 3516E main diesel engines, each developing 2,610 kW at 1,800 rpm, connected to selective catalytic reduction units to minimise NOx in their exhaust and comply with the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 4 regulations, and drive two Schottel rudderpropellers of type SRP 510.
Saltchuk’s new tugs will have a bollard pull of 86 tonnes and a top speed ahead of 12 knots, and have a Markey Machine single-drum, class II hawser winch, with 56 kW of type DEPGF-52.
Riviera’s 28th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, in association with Caterpillar, 19-21 May 2026. Use this link for more details of this industry event and the associated social and networking opportunities.
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