Eastern to Build New Tugs for Saltchuk
Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) on Monday announced it has been awarded a contract to construct four new escort tugs for Saltchuk Marine's Foss Maritime. The vessels will be built at ESG’s Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities, in Florida, with delivery expected in 2026.
The order marks the beginning of Saltchuk Marine’s long-term fleet renewal project, with the new tugs set to support West Coast port operations and comply with EPA Tier 4 and California Air Resources Board (CARB) environmental requirements.
The newbuilds will be RApport 2600 ship assist/escort tugs designed by Robert Allan Ltd. Each will be equipped with Caterpillar 3516E engines (3,500 hp @ 1,800 rpm) and Schottel RudderPropeller SRP 510 thrusters.
“As the West Coast’s premier tug operator for more than a century, it’s critical that we continue to innovate and provide ship assist services in a manner that prioritizes safety and minimizes environmental impact,” said Jason Childs, Saltchuk Marine’s president and CEO. “The combination of Robert Allan team’s naval architecture and engineering experience and ESG’s proven history of building best-in-class vessels will ensure that we continue to provide our customers with the most reliable service on the West Coast, Hawaii and Alaska.”
“We are pleased to partner with Saltchuk Marine on this significant fleet renewal project. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable vessels with industry leading low lifecycle costs that meet stringent environmental standards and support our customer’s missions for many, many years,” said Joey D’Isernia, Chairman and CEO of ESG. “This contract award is more solid evidence that ESG is able to successfully design and build both government and commercial vessels while remaining highly competent and competitive in both arenas.”
Over the past 20 years, ESG has delivered 35 ship assist tugs.
Length, overall - 84' (excluding fenders)
Breadth, moulded - 42'
Depth, moulded - 14'
Draft, navigation - 18'-7"
Accommodation for - 8 persons
Speed, ahead - 12 knots
Bollard Pull, minimum - 95 Short Tons (86.2 MT)
Hawser Winch - Markey Machine DEPGF-52, 75HP, Single Drum Class II Winch