Halter Begins Construction of Three Second Generation Hvide SDM

Halter Marine, Inc. has begun construction of three second generation Ship Docking Modules (SDM) at its Lockport, La. shipyard for Hvide Marine, Inc. The new tugs, designated SDM Mark II, follow the three original Halter-built SDMs, New River, St. Johns and Escambia. Two of the new vessels, Suwanee River and Peace River, are scheduled for delivery in 1999, and Kissimmee River, the third Mark II, will be delivered in 2000. The patented, double-ended 90 x 50 ft. SDM design, which requires only two crew members to operate, was conceived by Erik Hvide, chairman and president of Hvide Marine and refined by the Elliot Bay Design Group, Seattle, Wash. The design is critical to maneuvering large ships in and out of narrow ports and harbors.