This new series of tugs will be built at TUGZ’s affiliate Great Lakes Shipyard in Cleveland, Ohio. The shipyard recently opened new state of the art facilities for tug and barge construction. ‘Handysize’ class tugs will be offered for sale, lease-purchase or charter through its affiliate TUGZ. Two tugs are now under construction with deliveries scheduled for November 2007 and April 2008. Built for two man operation, the tugs are available as ASD’s or as conventional twin-screw vessels.

Ronald C. Rasmus, president of the Great Lakes Group explained, 'There is a real market need and we have had serious inquiries. Studies have shown that there are more than 1,500 U.S. flag tugs over 30 years old in the less than 3,000 hp range that will need to be replaced over the next few years. Owners of this range are looking for a low cost, fuel efficient, versatile workhorse, and our new “Handysize” Class tug design just fits the need.'

The ‘Handysize’ class has some very interesting design features intended to minimise operating costs. It will be built to last, using an ABS ‘ice-class’ hull standard for sturdiness and icebreaking, if applicable. The increased 16mm 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.

Measuring 22.6m in length with a moulded beam of 9.1m, the tug will have a maximum draft of 3.3m. A pair of Cummins QSK 38 diesels will develop a total of 2,800 hp at 1,800 rpm and meet EPA Tier II emissions regulations. Power is transmitted to 1.83m diameter Kaplan type propellers, rotating in type 37 stainless steel lined nozzles via Twin Disc MG540 gearboxes. This arrangement is expected to produce a bollard pull of 36 (short) tons and a free running speed of 12.0 knots.

A pair of 65kW generator sets supply electrical power while a standard 2,000 gpm fire pump, feeding a single, deckhouse mounted monitor is driven from one of the generators. Keel coolers provide a saltwater free engine room. The tug is designed for seven day endurance for coastal service and the tank capacities include 21,600 gallons of fuel and 1,800 gallons of potable water.

A full walk-around bridge deck has 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 a 360° view. The exhaust casings are cut off at waist height to ensure good visibility. Amongst an impressive array of wheelhouse electronics is a pair of radar units, a GPS, autopilot, compass, and an optional engine room monitoring and alarm system. All of the accommodation is air conditioned and includes a single cabin for the captain, two twin berth crew cabins, a mess room, toilet/shower facilities and a laundry.

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 forward and aft towing winches and a knuckle boom crane.