Bollinger Algiers LLC, a New Orleans based member of Bollinger Shipyards Inc, has just completed the conversion of the single screw tug ‘Admiral Jackson’ to a twin screw shiphandling vessel of 4,200 hp. It is the fifth of eight Crescent Towing 32m sister ships to undergo the same major conversion at the same Bollinger yard.

The programme to renovate and significantly extend the life of the Admiral Jackson, formerly the ‘Glenn Smith’, involved a total redesign of the vessel, including wheelhouse, stern section and propulsion system. It’s existing engine was replaced by two General Electric 228 eight cylinder diesels, each driving a 2,160mm (85 inch) Bollinger stainless steel propeller via a Reintjes 4:1 reduction gearbox. The propellers rotate within type 37 stainless steel lined Kort nozzles. New rudders have a maximum angle of 45(DEGREES) either side of the centreline and the entire package has resulted in a highly manoeuvrable tug with a bollard pull of over 50 short tons (100,000lbs).

Bollinger reconstructed the Admiral Jackson’s wheelhouse with improved windows and low profile exhaust stacks for maximum visibility and installed a new electronics package that included radars, GPS, depth sounders, loud hailers, VHF radios, fax machines and sound powered telephones. Emergency fuel shut off systems were also installed, along with the ability to start and stop the main engines remotely. In the accommodation areas crew comfort has been improved with a new air conditioning and heating system, a new galley and improved furnishings in the living area.

Admiral Jackson also has new fendering for improved protection during every day shiphandling duties. With the installation of the new propulsion system, the tug was given new keel coolers, Coast Guard approved oily water separators, new sanitary systems and all regulatory documents were renewed.

Prior to the commencement of this latest conversion, Bollinger Algiers successfully converted Crescent Towing tugs, ‘Florida’, ‘Louisiana’, ‘Ned Ferry’ and ‘G. Shelby Friedrichs’. Crescent Towing, part of the Cooper Group of companies, operate a fleet of 23 tugs serving the shipping community on the lower Mississippi River.