Bay Houston Towing Orders New Tug from Master Boat Builders

Master Boat Builders, Inc. on Wednesday announced that it will construct a fourth new tugboat for Bay Houston Towing Co. The Coden, Ala. shipbuilder currently has three tugs under construction of a different design for the Houston-based owner.

Naval architect and marine engineering firm, Robert Allan Ltd. designed the tugboat, which will meet U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter-M regulations and will be classed through the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

The tugboat will have an overall length of 98’-6” feet, beam of 42’-5”, and produce a bollard pull of over 80 metric tons. The vessel will feature two Caterpillar main engines (3516E), EPA Tier 4 certified and each producing 3500 HP, along with two Schottel Z-Drive thrusters (SRP 510FP), and a Markey Machinery Company bow winch (DEPCF-48-100).

“Bay Houston has an incredible reputation as one of the top tugboat operators in the entire country and we are thrilled to continue working with them on a fourth tugboat,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders. “We are humbled that Bay Houston has recognized the top quality of our employees and is seeking to continue working together to continue enhancing their impressive fleet of tugboats.”