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Deck Equipment & Lifting Gear

Bigger Lift for Bigger Tugs

28 Jan 2008

The family run business of Colle Towing Inc, which operates tugboats on the Pascagoula River in Mississippi USA, has recently taken delivery of its second Marine Travelift. The new 600C boat hoist is seen as an investment that will contribute to the strengthening of the business for future generations.
Colle Towing's 600C Marine Travelift will handle the increasing size of tugs operated by the company.
Colle Towing's 600C Marine Travelift will handle the increasing size of tugs operated by the company.

The acquisition of the 600C machine means that Colle Towing will no longer have to operate a dry dock, which is much less efficient than the Marine Travelift operation. The present family owner, John Colle said, 'Our business is to provide vessel construction and repair as well as tugboat services. We purchased a Marine Travelift 400C about three years ago, and while it was adequate to service the market and our own tugboats then, it was apparent that it would not handle the ever increasing size of vessels in the future. We were faced with the decision to either upgrade our existing drydock facilities or invest in a much larger machine if we were to remain competitive.

'After experiencing the capabilities of the 400 ton boat hoist and knowing that it would hold its resale value, the decision to upgrade was made somewhat easier. We did the sums and came to the conclusion that our best option was to go for a larger machine. It made sound financial sense.'

This is the second 600C boat hoist, which has been sold by Marine Travelift’s dealer, H & E Equipment Services of Louisiana. Sales representative Jeff Shall said, 'Colle Towing was more than happy with the performance of its 400C but market forces dictated the need for a larger machine. We were quick to source a buyer for the 400C, leaving the way open for Colle Towing to move forward with its expansion plans.'

Colle Towing currently owns 8 tugs and has been providing tugboat services on the Pascagoula River for almost 130 years. The company was founded in 1878 by John’s great-grandfather, Capt. H. Colle and, five generations later, the family involvement is set to continue as John’s two daughters, Natalie and Kimberly work in the business too.

Images for this article - click to enlarge

Colle Towing's 600C Marine Travelift will handle the increasing size of tugs operated by the company.

All images copyright © Mercator Media 2008

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