Main Iron Works To Build Tug For Bisso

Bisso Towboat Inc. announced November 4 that it has signed an agreement with Main Iron Works LLC, Houma, La., to begin construction of a 5,000 bhp. ASD tractor tug.

The tug will feature two Caterpillar 3516E Tier 4F main propulsion engines generating 2,500 bhp. each at 1,600 rpm. The engines will drive Kongsberg US2055 azimuthing thrusters with 2,400 mm.-diameter stainless steel propellers in stainless steel nozzles. The estimated bollard pull will be 66 tons.

Auxiliary equipment will include a JonRie Series 240 escort winch, Caterpillar C4.4 118 kW generator sets and a full complement of safety, monitoring and electronic equipment.

 Tankage includes capacities for 30,162 gallons of diesel fuel, 1,442 gallons of lube oil, 1,442 gallons of hydraulic oil, 2,000 gallons of DEF and 9,538 gallons of potable water.

 The new tug will be the 6th ASD tractor tug constructed by Main Iron Works for Bisso in the past eight years. Bisso operates 10 ASD tractor tugs serving the Mississippi River ship-assist trade, the largest fleet in that trade.