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LaForce to Construct Pushboat

Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.

January 26, 2000

Industry veteran towboater Autry Dufrene of Belle Chasse, La. has contracted the Bayou La Batre, Ala. LaForce Shipyard. Measuring 74 x 28 ft., the 1,600 hp pushboat houses "a semi-camber" design from keel to the chine on the underside of the aft hull. Scheduled for delivery sometime during February, the vessel's power will be provided by a pair of Cummins 12-cylinder KTA38 MO engines developing 800 hp each. The engines will be linked to Twin Disc MG-5301 gears with a 6.39:1 ratio turning 74 x 60 in. propellers.