Belle Chasse, La. shipyard C&C Marine and Repair said it has delivered the second vessel in a series of 15 towboats it is building for Metairie, La. based Maritime Partners, LLC.

The 2,600-horsepower, 84’ x 34’ towboat Brooks M. Hamilton was designed by Entech Design, LLC, based in Kenner, La., with the 3D modeling and production drawings done by C&C Marine and Repair’s in-house engineering department. The design includes two Cummins QSK38-M1 main engines, provided by Cummins Mid-South, that are paired to two Reintjes WAF 665 reduction gears, provided by Karl Senner, LLC. The vessel’s steering system HPU was provided by Rio Marine and Hydraulic.

The towboat offers a total of six beds. A soft-core joiner system, provided by Marine Interior Systems, was installed in the accommodation spaces for added comfort and fire safety.

“We have been really impressed by the quality and speed at which C&C Marine has been able to build these vessels,” said Austin Sperry, Chief Operating Officer of Maritime Partners.

According to C&C Marine and Repair, its focus on innovative production methods enabled vessel’s accelerated delivery.

The use of a Lincoln Electric/Ogden welding panel line assembly seam welder and automatic dart welder allow for the fabrication of panels up to 40’ x 100’. The Vernon Tool Company computerized pipe cutting machine allows various size pipe diameters and length to be pre-cut prior to assembly to avoid adjustments and cutting in the field. The use of 50-ton overhead gantry cranes improve efficiency and increases production throughout the building process.

The shipbuilder said it is able to avoid weather delays thanks to five enclosed production bays which house all new construction activity within a controlled environment.

Further, C&C Marine and Repair noted its in-house engineering department works closely with the customer throughout the design and construction of the vessel to ensure that any issues are resolved immediately and that the effect on the production schedule is negligible. The in-house engineering department is in constant communication with the production managers to ensure that every vessel adheres to the 3D model and vessel specifications.

“The in-house engineering department was in constant communication with my project manager to make sure that the vessel met our specifications,” Sperry said.

Tony Cibilich with C&C Marine, said, “We take production deadlines very seriously at C&C Marine and Repair. We understand the economic incentive for everyone involved to produce these vessels in a timely manner, while maintaining the highest quality of construction.”

(Source: MarineLink)