Vigor Fab Adds Three New Tugboats

January 23, 2014

Vigor Fab was recently awarded a contract by Tidewater Barge Lines of Vancouver, Wash, to construct three new tugboats.

Construction of the first tug will start on Jan. 24, 2014, with the keel laying (the formal recognition of the start of a ship’s construction) at Vigor’s facility in Portland.

While Tidewater has rebuilt and repowered several of the vessels in its fleet, these tugs will be the first newly built vessels for the company in nearly 30 years.

“Tidewater has provided top-notch tug and barge service for more than 80 years,” said Bryan Nichols, sales manager of Vigor Industrial. “We’re honored they chose us to help make this critical investment in their future.”

“Vigor will put its considerable experience to work building these new tugboats to the highest standards. These new builds are evidence of how we are inspiring confidence in our customers and growing our shipbuilding business,” added Nichols.

Designed by CT Marine, of Edgecomb, Maine, these state-of-the-art vessels were specially designed to service the Columbia River market. The tug design also features ergonomic accommodations and comforts proven to minimize fatigue and reduce injuries amongst crew.

The tug engines are EPA Tier III compliant and provide upgraded environmental standards for cleaner emissions and a lower environmental impact.

Vessel Characteristics

Length: 102’

Width: 38’

Draft: 11’

Engines: Two Caterpillar 3516 Tier 3 Engines, 4500 HP Total

Delivery of the first tug will be in December 2014, with the 2nd and 3rd to follow in 2015.

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Press Release, January 23, 2014