Master Boat Builders, Inc. today announced that it has executed a contract to build two new tugboats in its Coden, Ala., shipyard for Moran Towing Corporation based in New Canaan, Conn. The new tugs will be the first that Master Boat Builders will build for Moran Towing – one of the oldest and respected maritime operators in the United States.

Moran Towing is known for expansive coast to coast operations, utilizing its versatile fleet to provide vessel towing, bulk marine transportation, LNG support operations, and environmental recovery services.

“We look forward to working with Master Boat on this project. Master Boat has a great reputation for delivering quality equipment on a consistent basis and we hope this new contract will lead to future opportunities for collaboration between the two companies, said Sean Perreault, Vice President, Engineering Services of Moran Towing. “While we have an ongoing commitment to our traditional suppliers, our demand from customers has given us the opportunity to work with new partners that we hope will become long term relationships.” 

Naval architect and marine engineering firm, Crowley Engineering Services created the tugboat design, which will meet United States Coast Guard Sub-M regulations and will be classed through the American Bureau of Shipping.

The new tugboats will have an overall length of 86’, beam of 36’, and produce a bollard pull of over 55 metric tons. The vessel will feature two Caterpillar main engines (3512E), EPA Tier 4 certified and each producing 2549HP, along with two Kongsberg thrusters (US 205S FP), and a Markey Machinery Company bow winch (DEPC-48).

“Moran is one of the most respected tugboat operators in the US and we are honored they have chosen us to build their next set of tugs,” said Garrett Rice, President of Master Boat Builders.