Bisso Towboat Orders Tug at Main Iron Works

Luling, La.-based Bisso Towboat said it has signed an agreement with Houma, La. shipbuilder Main Iron Works to begin construction of a new 6,008 BHP azimuthing stern drive (ASD) tractor tug. Construction is scheduled to commence in August 2020 with delivery expected in early fall of 2021.

The EPA Tier 4 compliant tug will feature two Caterpillar 3516E Tier 4F main propulsion engines generating 3,004 BHP each at 1800 RPM. The engines will drive two Schottel SRP 460 FP azimuth thrusters with 98.4″ diameter stainless steel propellers in stainless steel nozzles. Estimated bollard pull will be 78 tons.

Auxiliary equipment will include a JonRie Series 240 Escort Winch, Caterpillar C4.4 118 KW generator sets and full complement of safety, monitoring and electronic equipment.

Tankage includes capacities for 30,162 gallons of diesel fuel, 1,442 gallons of lube oil, 1, 442 gallons of hydraulic oil, 2,000 gallons of DEF and 9,538 gallons of potable water.

The new USCG-inspected tug will be the fifth ASD tractor tug constructed by Main Iron Works for Bisso in the past six years and further enhance Bisso’s position of operating the largest fleet of ASD tractor tugs serving the Mississippi River ship-assistant trade.