Happy birthday McAllister Towing

It was back in 1864 that James McAllister arrived in New York and purchased two sail lighters, shuttling cargo between ships, piers and docks throughout the New York region in the days before bridges and tunnels. The venture was moderately successful and more members of the McAllister family joined James from Ireland leading to the acquisition of more vessels. Thus was the beginnings of a company that now operates a fleet of over 75 tugs, crew boats and barges in 17 locations along the US east coast from Portland, ME to San Juan, PR.

The company celebrated their birthday recently by hosting a gala event at Pier 60 in New York City attended by over 800 guests of the maritime industry, employees and family. The occasion included a suitably ‘business-like’ element where their newest tractor tug, the Buckley McAllister was christened. The 98’ LOA vessel, built by Senesco Marine at North Kingstown Rhode Island is powered by two Tier III compliant Caterpillar 3516 CHD diesels developing 5,150bhp driving two Schottel Model SRP-1215FP Z-Drive units.

The ceremony was led by Rev. David Rider of The Seamen’s Church Institute and Rev. Daniel Meeter of Old First Reformed Church. The sponsor of the christening was Janet McAllister, daughter of company president Buckley McAllister, a sixth generation family member. The occasion had a traditional New York theme with a water display from FDNY Marine division Fireboat 343 and performances by the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and Atlantic Wave, a group of Irish musicians and singers arranged specially for the occasion.

McAllister towing are truly a company based on family tradition stretching back over five generations who have owned and operated the company. They are currently led by chairman Captain Brian McAllister (fourth generation) and his sons, president Buckley McAllister and CFO Eric McAllister, both fifth generation. They proudly claim to be the only remaining family tug company whose history dates back to the 1860s.

A snapshot look at McAllister’s operation reveals a company with an extensive portfolio of assets and activities. The collective horsepower of their fleet totals over 270,000hp and comprises: 28 Z-drive/tractor tugs, 11 Tier II compliant tugs and 20 plus vessels involved in coastal towing and bulk transportation, their shiphandling operation servicing more than 1,000 shipping companies. A particularly high profile project is their LNG ship-assist operation at Cove Point in the Chesapeake Bay. Two tugs Emily Anne McAllister and AJ McAllister were specifically built for the project and have been working at what is the US’s largest LNG import facility since it reopened in 2003.

By Peter Barker