Towboat News

Baker Marine Solutions Unveils Inland Towboat Design

Baker Marine Solutions is unveiling its newest towing vessel design and the International WorkBoat Show.The BMS 1882 - A 6000 HP Inland Towboat is designed for the inland waterway and transportation market.At a length of 170ft, the design boasts accommodation for a 10-person crew while providing ample living, recreation and leisure spaces to ensure crew comfort and habitability.Powering this 6000HP vessel can be achieved in both a hybrid diesel electric design or standard traditional design.BMS 1882 is named in honor of the largest diesel towboat currently operating on the Mississippi River…

Obstructed Valve Sinks Towboat

An obstructed check valve on a bilge pump led to the flooding and partial sinking of a towing vessel last year while moored at a shipyard near New Orleans, the National Transportation Safety Board reports.Marquette Transportation's vessel Joanne Marie was found partially submerged a day and a half after being moored and deactivated at the Bollinger Quick Repair Shipyard on the Harvey Canal. The vessel was unattended at the time. No injuries were reported and damage to the vessel was over $176…

BSG Acquires Maritime Software Company

Bleecker Street Group (BSG), a global software holding company, announced the acquisition of Ripple, an integrated maritime software company. The acquisition underscores BSG's commitment to the maritime sector, solidifying its position as an emerging force in the broader Supply Chain Software industry.Ripple has earned acclaim for its mission-critical solutions designed to address unique operating challenges faced by maritime, and it has a long client list in the sector delivering to tugboat…

Shipbuilding: ACBL Inks Deal to Build Tier 4 Towboat

Jeffersonville, Ind. based American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) announced it has signed a contract with Bayou La Batre, Ala. shipbuilder Steiner Construction Company for the design and construction of a new EPA Tier 4 retractable towboat.“Investing in our future is a key part of ACBL’s strategy. We are proud to introduce the first Tier 4 Mitsubishi engines to the marine industry,” said Mike Ellis, CEO,  ACBL. “The addition of this new Tier 4 retractable towboat represents our…

SAAM Closes Ian Taylor Acquisition in Peru

SAAM concluded the purchase of Ian Taylor’s towage operations in Peru."This transaction will allow us to continue consolidating our presence in Peru, with the service offering we are known for and extensive geographic coverage. We are committed to continuing to operate with excellence and safety once we add this first-rate fleet," said SAAM Towage Managing Director Hernán Gómez.SAAM Towage has been operating since 2021 in Peru. With this investment, it strengthens its presence…

Keeping the Inland Waterways Open: Balancing Maintenance and Operational Requirements

Inland waterways, sometimes called ‘nature’s superhighways’ provide a strategic advantage related to security, economics, and trade for any nation whose geography, topography, and climate enable this natural infrastructure. Economic benefits are realized in small rural areas through large urban communities that utilize the system for efficient transportation and improved markets. However, deliberate operational, resource, and policy efforts, along with broad stakeholder integration, are required to maintain and operate such a system.

Shipbuilding: Ingram Marine Christens Four Towboats in One Day

On June 24, Ingram Marine Group held a special christening ceremony for four vessels: M/V Capt. Roy Daniels, M/V Randy Hooper, M/V Debbie L. Owen and M/V Harold B. Warren. The M/V Debbie L. Owen and M/V Capt. Roy Daniels are new builds. The M/V Randy Hooper and M/V Harold B. Warren are refurbished vessels.“The people we are honoring today are a testament to the kind of company we’ve worked hard to build. They really represent the ‘Ingram Way’ which is why it is so fitting to christen some of our vessels in their honor…

SAAM Towage Adds Tug to its Chilean Fleet

SAAM Towage expanded its fleet in Chile with the arrival of a new tug dubbed Halcón III.“This new vessel is very symbolic, since it will be called Halcón III. Its predecessor (Halcón I) had a single shaft and was one of the first tugs to start operating at SAAM. Today, almost 60 years later, we can see how technology has advanced at the service of foreign trade. We now have a state-of-the-art unit that will enable us to continue efficiently and safely supporting maneuvers at domestic ports…

Vicente Boluda Fos to Receive France's Knight of the Legion of Honor Medal

Boluda Corporación Marítima CEO Vicente Boluda Fos will receive the Knight of the Legion of Honour medal in Paris on June 16, in recognition of outstanding services rendered to France by the Valencian businessman. The distinction will be awarded by former president of France Nicolas Sarkozy.Boluda France was created in 2007 after the purchase of the French company Les Abeilles, a company whose activity dates back to 1864.“It is with great pride that I accept this award from the French Republic: I cannot begin to express my gratitude towards the country.