This latest addition is 29.26m in length with a beam of 10.36m, powered by two Caterpillar 3516B engines developing a total of 4,000bhp. Power is transmitted to two Ulstein 1650H propulsion units incorporating fixed pitch propellers rotating within integral nozzles, an arrangement giving the vessel a bollard pull of approximately 50 tons.

Two more Caterpillars drive 90kW generating sets to supply the vessel's electrical system.

Savannah is equipped with a twin-drum escort winch on the foredeck and a capstan aft, both from Coastal Marine Equipment.

The wheelhouse has 360º visibility unencumbered by exhaust stacks or other equipment.

A full complement of electronic and control equipment is installed including: main engine and vessel controls:

echosounder; GPS; radars, radio and public address systems;

and speed log. Accommodation is provided for six persons in three cabins.

New Orleans-based Crescent Towing is part of the Cooper Group of companies. Its tugs provide harbour towage for vessels on the Mississippi, Mobile and Savannah Rivers.

Only a few months ago Maritime Journal reported a major conversion programme undertaken by the same shipyard group to transform eight of Crescent Towing's single screw tugs to twin-screw propulsion with new 4000bhp main engines.