Engines and propulsion systems have been ordered for new fleets of tugboats being built in two shipyards in the US. At least 10 tugs will be built as confirmed orders, while another six are held as options.
Foss Maritime confirmed it contracted Nichols Brothers Boat Builders to construct four tugs for its operations on the US west coast. It has options to order another six if required.
Rolls-Royce was the main winner of this order as it gained contracts to supply pairs of MTU series 4000 main engines that meet the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Tier 4 emission standards. It is also supplying pairs of Rolls-Royce US255 azimuth thrusters for these tractor tugs.
Nichols Brothers intends to deliver the first of the initial four tugs between Q4 2020 and Q4 2021, while another six tugs could be built at the shipyard for delivery after 2021, adding to Rolls-Royce’s orderbook.
In another US tugboat deal, Alabama-based shipbuilder Master Marine won contracts for six tugs that will operate on the Mississippi River. These will be built to Entech designs and will be delivered from Q3 2019 to the end of 2020.
Laborde Products will be supplying the main engineroom systems for these six tugs. It will provide pairs of Mitsubishi S6R2-Y3MPTAW engines that meet EPA Tier 3 requirements coupled to Twin Disc 5321 gears and will drive pairs of four-bladed stainless steel propellers, supplied by Sound Propeller Services.
Each tug will have two Northern Lights M65C13.2S electronic controlled generators that comply with IMO Tier III, supplied by Laborde Products.
Gulf Coast Air & Hydraulics will provide a pair of Quincy F325 reciprocating air compressors and ventilation fans. Thordon Marine Industries will deliver bearings, bushings and shaft seals and RW Fernstrum will provide keel coolers.
Deck winches will come from Dickson Marine Supply while the electronics and communications will be supplied by New World and the alarm system by Unlimited Control & Supply.
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