(MMI), Bayou La Batre, Ala., has delivered the 67- by 28-foot M/V Iron Lady to Cooper Group member Plimsoll Marine. The Iron Lady is the first of four vessels that the shipyard is scheduled to deliver to Plimsoll Marine, one of the Lower Mississippi River’s leading push boat operators.

These four state-of-the-art vessels are designed by Entech Designs LLC, Kenner, La., and are fully compliant with all United States Coast Guard regulatory requirements

“The delivery of the Iron Lady marks another milestone in our unrelenting effort to build and maintain our industry’s most modern and capable fleet of push boats,” said Angus R. Cooper III, president of Cooper/T. Smith. “Our team prides itself on serving our industry as the premier push boat service provider on the Lower Mississippi River and our continued investment in the Plimsoll fleet is a testament to our pledge to always return the highest level of value to our customers.”

“Plimsoll Marine is proud to add Iron Lady to our growing fleet of world class push boats,” said Karl Gonzales, vice president of Plimsoll Marine. “Coupled with our team of highly experienced and skilled mariners, the Iron Lady further ensures our ability to exceed the expectations of our customers in the safest and most efficient manner.”

The Iron Lady is powered by two Laborde Products, Inc. Mitsubishi 803 HP Tier III diesel marine engines operating at 1,400 RPM and coupled to Twin Disc 5321 gears. Electrical power is provided by two Laborde Products supplied Northern Lights 65 kW Tier III electronic controlled generators. R.W. Fernstrum Inc. keel coolers are fitted throughout.

A pair of Sound Propeller Services Inc. 70- by 48- by 7-inch four-bladed stainless steel propellers are provided thrust through two J & S Machine Works Inc. 7-inch ABS Grade propeller shafts, with all Thordon Bearings, Thorplas bushings and shaft seals. Rio Controls & Hydraulics Inc. supplied the steering system for the two 7-inch main and four 7-inch flanking rudders.

Gulf Coast Air & Hydraulics Inc. provided a pair of Quincy reciprocating air compressors and ventilation fans. Schuyler Maritime, LLC supplied all 18- by 12-inch rubber fendering around the perimeter of the vessel and push knees.

Interior spaces are served by a Carrier mini-split HVAC system supplied by R.S Price & Son while Blakeney Marine provided all custom woodwork and interior finishes. Donavon Marine supplied the large Bomar aluminum windows and Dales Welding and Fabricators LLC provided the aluminum exterior doors. Wintech International LLC supplied a pair of 40-ton deck winches and New World Inc. provided all electronics and communications, with an alarm system from Unlimited Control & Supply Inc.

Each of the four towboats in the series has the capacity for 10,400 gallons of fuel and 4,359 gallons of potable water, and has a maximum 7-foot, 9-inch working draft. Each vessel is outfitted with three crew staterooms housing six crewmen, 1 ½ baths and a full galley arrangement.