Eastern Launches Impala Soledad for IWL River
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. launched the Impala Soledad, the first in a series of four inland river towboats for IWL River, Inc.
This series of CT Marine designed 134 ft. ABS Classed Inland River Service towboats are Triple Screw with a Retractable Pilothouse and all are currently under construction at Eastern’s Allanton facility. The vessel series is scheduled for delivery starting in late 2016 into 2017.
The launch on June 10, 2016 was hosted by Eastern’s Project Manager Joe Stark, a Navy veteran, followed by a decorated 25 year career with the FDNY as a Marine Engineer. Stark oversaw the construction of the two Eastern-built 140’ fast response fireboats for FDNY, the Three Four Three and the Firefighter II, which were delivered in 2010. Stark recently returned to Panama City to join Eastern’s team to manage the building of the IWL River, Inc. inland towboats. The Impala Soledad (Hull #243) was blessed by Deacon Tim Warner, of St. John’s Catholic Church of Panama City, and christened by Stark’s wife of over 30 years, Mary. Also in attendance at the launch was IWL River, Inc.’s Owner Representative, Ed Maxwell of Dufour, Laskay, & Strouse, Inc.
IWL River, Inc. is one of Eastern’s newest clients. These towboats will service the inland waterways of Latin America for Impala Terminals.
The Inland River Triple Screw Retractable Towboat series features the following characteristics:
ESG Hull #239: 1st Vessel in the Series of 4
Length (LOA): 134’
Breadth: 42’
Depth: 9’
Minimal Operational Draft: 6’
Pilothouse Eyelevel (above waterline): 37’-6”
Pilothouse Eyelevel (above waterline) retracted: 21’-12”
Diesel Main Engines: (3) Caterpillar 3512C, IMO II, 1,280; Horsepower at 1,600 RPM.
Reverse Reduction Gears: (3) Reintjes, WAF665
Diesel Generators: (2) Caterpillar C6.6 125 kW, IMO II, 220-volt, 3-phase.
Classification: ABS +A1, Towing Vessel, River Service, +AMS, ABCU,
Flag: Republic of Panama.