Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the launching of the first of two (2) 80’ 5,100 HP Z-Drive Tugs. The C.D. WHITE for Bisso Offshore, LLC, a division of E.N. Bisso & Son, Inc., launched on August 22, 2019. A RAL RApport 2400 Z-Drive Ship-handling Tug design was provided by Robert Allan Ltd located in Vancouver, Canada. The C.D. White is currently under construction at Eastern’s Allanton facility, along with a sister vessel, the A. THOMAS HIGGINS. The C.D. WHITE is scheduled to be delivered in December of this year.

The launch ceremony was held at Eastern’s Allanton facility hosted by Patrick D’Isernia, Eastern’s Project Manager and Brian D’Isernia Eastern’s Founder/CEO. Joey D’Isernia, Eastern’s President, and Marvin Serna, Vice President of Operations, along with several of Eastern employees and guests in attendance with perfect crane launch weather conditions. Connie Sandras, Chief Administrative Officer, Mike Vitt, Vice President and Port Captain Mike Killelea of E.N. Bisso were present.  Father Kevin McQuone of St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church of Panama City blessed the vessel and Father Luke Farabaugh from St. Dominic Catholic Church attended the ceremony. Connie Sandras christened the C.D. WHITE as the vessel’s sponsor on this August summer day.

E.N. Bisso is one of Eastern’s long term valued customers and has taken delivery of four (4) previous modern Z-drive Ship Assist Tugs from Eastern starting in 2007 (JOSEPHINE ANNE, BEVERLY B., ELIZABETH B and the ARCHIE T. HIGGINS). These two new Robert Allan RApport 2400 design tugs have been customized by the designer, the builder and owner to provide specific operational features including 63+ ton bollard pull, enhanced maneuverability and escort performance, better fuel economy, crew comfort, safety under the new USCG Sub-M requirements and reduced emissions meeting the new EPA Tier 4 emissions regulations.

Mike Vitt spoke about how the project commitment was reaffirmed at the 2018 New Orleans LA Workboat Show.  E.N. Bisso knew Eastern had the people and the talent given their long-term relationship, knowledge of Eastern’s workforce of skilled craftsman, the belief in the craftsmanship of vessel construction, and the efforts of the huge team effort made after Hurricane Michael in minimizing the delays of the vessels’ delivery dates.

Connie Sandras with a mighty swing broke the bottle on the first try to begin the launching of the C.D. WHITE.  The boat is named after Cornelius Dee “Jack” White, Jr. Jack White was an owner of E.N. Bisso and was married to the Company’s then President Beverly Bisso White.  Mr. White was instrumental in the management and growth of the Company in its early days.  It is the second boat to be named for Jack White in recognition of his place in the Company’s history.

The RApport 2400 Ship Handling Tugs features the following characteristics:

Dimensions (Molded):                    80’-0 x 38’-0 x 13’-2”

ESG Designation:                               Hull 225

Fuel Oil:                                              28,000 USG

DEF/Urea:                                          (2) x 850 USG

Potable Water:                                  8,750 USG

Total Horsepower:                            (2) x 2,549 HP @ 1,800 RPM

Bollard Pull (Predicted):                   63 Metric Tons

Main Engines:                                    (2) LA CAT, Caterpillar 3512E Tier 4 EPA/IMO III marine propulsion diesel engines

Main Propulsion:                              (2) Rolls Royce US205 P20 Z-Drives

Main Generators:                             (2) Kennedy Engines Co. John Deere 4045AFM85 Tier 3 EPA certified Marine Auxiliary Diesel Generator Set, each rated at 99kW @ 1,800 RPM

Firefighting:                                       (1) Counterfire ES-125-400, 1,500 gpm at 100 psi, diesel engine driven and 4” Stang remote controlled fire monitor

Forward Hawser Winch:                  (1) Markey Machinery, Inc. Model DEPCF-42 HS, Single Drum 40HP, Render/Recovery, Line Tension Display, Electric Escort Hawser Winch

Aft Capstan:                                       (1) Markey Machinery, Inc. CEPB-40 5HP Tow Bitt Capstan

Tow Hook:                                         (1) Washington Chain & Supply 90 Ton SWL tow hook, electric-air remote control, manual or remote release.

Regulatory:                                        USCG Sub-M, Certificate of Inspection (COI) (Oceans), Designed and Built to ABS Class standards (but not classed under ABS rules)

Flag:                                                   United States of America