Master boat builders to construct two new tugboats for Bay Houston Towing Co.

Master Boat Builders, Inc. today announced that it will construct two new tugboats in its Coden, Ala., yard for Bay Houston Towing Co. of Houston, Texas. This summer, Master Boat Builders laid the keel for the first of the two vessels. Under a contract order signed in February 2021, Bay Houston will receive two vessels scheduled for delivery starting in July 2022.

The tugboats will have an overall length of 85 feet, beam of 38.5 feet, and produce a bollard pull of over 52 metric tonnes. Both of the vessels will feature two Caterpillar main engines (3512E), EPA Tier 4 certified and each producing 2,213 HP, along with two Schottel Z-Drive thrusters (SRP 430FP), and a Markey Machinery Company bow winch (DEPCF-48).

“Through our integrated approach to vessel design, engineering and construction, Master Boat Builders has a comprehensive plan to build these new tugboats on schedule and at a value to Bay Houston Towing Co.,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders. “We are excited to work with Bay Houston on this project, with its long history of being one of the best tugboat operators in the United States. These vessels will only add to its impressive fleet of tugboats.”

Naval architect and marine engineering firm, Robert Allan Ltd. is designing the two tugboats, which will meet United States Coast Guard regulations and will be classed through the American Bureau of Shipping.