New Handysize Tug Completes Seatrials

Great Lakes Shipyard has successfully completed seatrials of the “HANDY-ONE”, the first tug of the new HANDYSIZE Class to be delivered to TUGZ International, LLC, the well-known and successful owner and charterer of a fleet of Z-Class tractor tugs. Both the new HANDYSIZE Class and the Z-Class tugs were designed for Tugz by Jensen Maritime Consultants, Seattle. The sea trials, including speed and endurance trials were performed in the icy waters of Lake Eire under freezing winter conditions. The trials exceeded design and maneuvering expectations and the tug at full speed was able to stop in its own length.

Designed to fill the niche between the 2,400 - 3,200 hp tug market for harbor work, fireboats, and construction operations as well as for coastal towing, the tug is described as being just the right size, just the right power, environmentally sound, fuel efficient and versatile enough to accomplish most tug jobs at the lowest operating cost, “when bigger is just too big, and smaller is more than enough.” Great Lakes Shipyard builds the “HANDYSIZE” Class tugs for sale to the market, however the tugs are also available for charter through its affiliate TUGZ. The first tug will be delivered on April 11, 2008 with the next tug scheduled for delivery in August 2008. Available as nozzled Twin-Screw Conventional models for those operators whose work application makes the Z-drive unnecessary and too expensive, the tugs also are available as ASD’s. Some operators believe that the conventional tugs will work better in ice and in debris-filled, low, and muddy waters.

The new tug has some very interesting features in its design to minimize operating costs. Among them: • More Steel. No matter the use, the “HANDYSIZE” Class will be built to last. Using an ABS “ice-class” hull standard for sturdiness and icebreaking, if applicable, the increased ½-inch steel thickness and tighter framing in the bow and stern ensures an increase in the useful life of the tug beyond the normal or statutory life. • Meets all USCG regulatory requirements. Built to ABS Loadline standards. Because the tug is less than 79’ and less than 100 gross tons there are several advantages that translate to operational flexibility and savings: (i) Loadline Certificate is not required; (ii) Only one (1) Licensed Operator is required – other crewing at Owner’s discretion; (iii) Crew not required to hold AB or OS ratings; (iv) Merchant Mariner Documents are not required for crew other than for Licensed Operator. • Designed for two (2) man operation with bridge control of engine room and deck winches; • High fuel efficiency; • Smaller environmental footprint; • Meets or Exceeds EPA Tier II emissions regulations. Measuring 74.0’ (22.6m) in length with molded beam of 30.0’ (9.1m) and a maximum draft of 11.0’(3.3m) the tug attains a bollard pull of 36 short tons (72,000 pounds est.) and a free running speed of 12.0 knots from a pair of Cummins QSK 38 diesels each developing 1,400 hp at 1,800 revolutions/ minute. These turn 72.0” diameter Kaplan type propellers inside Type 37 stainless steel lined nozzles and Twin Disk MG 540 with 5.17:1 ratios. A pair of 65kW generator sets provides the electrical needs while the standard 2,000 gpm fire pump, which feeds a single forward deckhouse-mounted monitor, is driven off one of the generator engines. Additional fire monitors and foam capability for a fireboat version of the tug are available as an option. Keel coolers provide a saltwater-free engine room. Ahead of a well insulated forward bulkhead are two twin-bunk crew cabins and a laundry. On the main deck, a single cabin for the captain with an additional Pullman’s berth is located on the starboard side of the deckhouse aft of the mess room, and a toilet/shower room is located port side aft. All the accommodations are air conditioned.

There is a full walk-around bridge deck with steps up from main deck, fore and aft. One central door aft and internal staircase gives access to the traditionally laid out wheelhouse. Eleven windows and three lower windows forward provide 360° view. The exhaust casings are cut off a waist height to ensure good visibility. Amongst an impressive array of wheelhouse electronics is a pair of radar units, a GPS, autopilot, digital and magnetic compasses, and an optional Techsol engine room monitoring and alarm system. A unique feature of the design is that the steel structure and deck have been strengthened to accommodate a range of customer requirements which can be installed at the time of construction or later, without need of performing major steel work. These options include a forward hawser winch, an aft towing winch, and a knuckle boom crane. The tug is designed for seven-to-ten days endurance for coastal service and the tank capacities include 25,340 gallons of fuel and 1,855 gallons of potable water.