ESG Delivers Tractor Tug to Bisso Offshore
Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) delivereed the Reverse Tractor Tug Archie T. Higgins to Bisso Offshore, LLC in late 2015. Upon arrival in Louisiana and at the mouth of the Mississippi River, the vessel went right to work escorting its first ship northbound to New Orleans. The vessel names honors Archibald (Archie) Thomas Higgins, Jr., who passed away earlier this year. Higgins helped lead the company’s operations from 1973 until 1995. Higgins also served on the Board of Directors of E.N. Bisso and Son until the time of his death. His work at the company was a significant part of his legacy and meant so much to him and his family.
The Archie T. Higgins (ESG Hull #176) is the fourth 96-ft. Reverse Tractor Tug design delivered to Bisso Offshore since 2007. All are from same 96-ft. Z-drive tug design provided by Jensen Maritime Consultants of Seattle.
Overall the vessel measures 96 x 34 x 14.75 ft., an dis powered by a pair of Caterpillar 3516C (A Rating), which are Tier 3 EPA certified and deliver a cumulative 4,260 hp @ 1600 rpm. The enignes drive a pair of Rolls-Royce US205 P-18 Z-drives. The boat also features John Deere Generarots and Markey Machinery deck machinery. It is U.S.-flagged and classed by ABS.
