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New BayDelta Tugs Chartered to Crowley
30 Jul 2008
Among the large number of interesting new tug currently being delivered or under construction for owners in the United States of America are two azimuthing stern drive (ASD) tugs being built for BayDelta Maritime Inc. Heralded as two of the most powerful 30.48m (100 foot) harbour tugs on the US north west coast, it was announced that Crowley Maritime, based in Seattle USA has agreed to charter both tugs.
The first of the pair, ‘Valor’ was completed by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders Inc in Langley, Washington, christened on 21 July, and delivered to Crowley the next day. Crowley will also lease Valor's sister tug, ‘Vigilant’, from BayDelta when it is completed at the Nichols yard in November.
The new ASD tugs were designed by Jensen Marine Consultants Inc of Seattle primarily for ship handling but also to be equipped for long haul towing. Main engines generating a total of 6,770 horsepower are claimed to place the tugs among the most powerful stern drive vessels in the US. On trials Valor achieved a bollard pull of 92 tons ahead and 90.5 tons astern and a maximum free running speed of 14 knots. Both tugs are heavily built, with a deep skeg to enhance shiphandling.
Valor will be used by Crowley in the company's ship assist and tanker escort business in the Pacific Northwest. Once completed, Vigilant will be stationed at Tesoro, the Alaska Company's Nikiski refinery in Cook Inlet on a year round basis. The tug will be strengthened to work in ice and the severe winter conditions found there.
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