Bisso Towboat Receives New Z-Drive Tug

Cecilia B. Slatten is the newest addition to Bisso Towboat Co.'s fleet of Mississippi River ship-assist tugboats. The 4,300 hp, reverse Z-drive tractor tug measures 100 x 38 x 18 ft., with an operating draft of 13.5 ft. A pair of Aquamaster US 2001 Z-drives are powered by twin EMD 16-645-E6 diesel engines, each producing 2,150 hp @ 900 rpm. The two propellers are four-bladed stainless steel, 90-in. diameter by 82-in. pitch. Electrical service is supplied by two 75kW Lima generators powered by two GM 6-71 engines. Auxiliary equipment includes the following: Marke hydraulic bow winch, McElroy Machine stern capstan, Washington Chain & Supply tow hook, EMI engine and fire/smoke alarm system, firefighting monitor, stainless steel bitts and bow staple and a full complement of navigational and electronic equipment. Cecilia B. Slatten was constructed by Main Iron Works, Inc., and carries an ABS International Loadline. It is the fifth new tug constructed in the past seven years by Main Iron Works for Bisso Towboat.