Eastern Shipbuilding launches the first of four CARB-compliant Saltchuk escort tugs

Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG), Panama City, Fla., has launched the first of the four new Robert Allan Ltd. RApport 2600 escort tugs it is building for Saltchuk Marine under a contract awarded in July 2024. The launch marks substantial progress on a significant fleet renewal program, with the new tugs set to support West Coast port operations and to comply with EPA Tier 4 and California Air Resources Board (CARB) environmental requirements..

“We are proud to advance this important project for Saltchuk Marine and look forward to continued progress as we move toward delivering these high-quality escort tugs,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.

“These four vessels set a new maritime standard that will positively impact the industry by meeting new rigorous environmental requirements.” said Jason Childs, Saltchuk Marine’s president and CEO.

Constructed at ESG’s shipyards in Allanton and Port St. Joe, Florida, on delivery, the new Saltchuk tugs will support critical ship assist and escort operations across the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska.

VESSEL SPECS:

Length, overall – 84 feet(excluding fenders)
Breadth, molded – 42 feet
Depth, molded – 14 feet
Draft, navigation – 18 feet 7 inches
Accommodations for – 8 persons
Speed, ahead – 12 knots
Bollard Pull, minimum – 95 short tons (86.2 tonnes)
Main Engines – Caterpillar 3516E, EPA Tier 4, 3500 hp (2610 kW) @ 1,800 rpm
Thrusters – Schottel RudderPropeller SRP 510
Hawser Winch – Markey Machine DEPGF-52, 75HP, single drum Class II winch

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