A brand new tugboat is slated to enter service for Bisso Towboat this Spring.
The Luling, La. based mostly marine towage supplier has been working with Main Iron Works to replace its fleet, changing a standard tug with a tractor tug about each 18 months. In late 2022, the Houma, La. shipbuilder started constructing a brand new tractor tug Mr. Brian—the sixth azimuth stern drive (ASD) tractor tug constructed by Main Iron Works for Bisso up to now eight years.
Named after Bisso’s vp of operations Brian Cyprowski, the newbuild will additional improve Bisso’s operation of the most important fleet of ASD tractor tugs to serve the Mississippi River ship-assist commerce. Bisso’s fleet of 12 boats, together with 9 tractor tugs and three typical tugs, escort ships and carry out numerous duties between Baton Rouge and the mouth of the Mississippi River.
When choosing the engine for the Mr. Brian, the Bisso group checked out many various elements. Bisso at the moment has 16 Cat engines in use throughout its fleet—18 with the completion of Mr. Brian, together with 3512 and C4.4 engines—so the corporate knew Cat engines from seller Louisiana Cat would meet the vessel’s reliability, sturdiness and energy calls for. “We looked at horsepower, river currents, managing loads, maneuverability and fuel burns,” mentioned Dino Novic, Bisso’s vp of engineering. “The Cat 3516E made the most sense for us.”
Mr. Brian is Bisso’s third Cat Tier 4-powered boat. Bisso’s Cat 3516E diesel engines can keep a steady score of 1,865 kW (2,500 hp) at 1,600 rpm. It is designed for functions that require steady heavy-duty service and could be operated at most energy and velocity as much as 100% of the time with out interruption or load biking. “With recommended preventative maintenance we have experienced far less issues with our Cat engines over time, compared to some other engines,” Novic mentioned.
The two two Caterpillar 3516E Tier 4F primary propulsion engines drive a pair of Kongsberg US205S azimuthing thrusters with 2,400 mm diameter chrome steel propellers in chrome steel nozzles. Estimated bollard pull is 66 tons.
Other onboard gear features a JonRie Series 240 escort winch, Caterpillar C4.4 118 KW generator units and a full complement of security, monitoring and digital gear. Tankage contains capacities for 30,162 gallons of diesel gas, 1,442 gallons of lube oil, 1,442 gallons of hydraulic oil, 2,000 gallons of DEF and 9,538 gallons of potable water.
Novic famous that each boat Bisso produces will get higher with the assistance of his group and vendor partnerships. Performance, consolation and practicality enhance repeatedly. He not solely needs the boat to look good but in addition wants it to be as sensible as doable. The crew offers him useful suggestions from their on board, and Novic shares that info together with his design group, Main Iron Works and Louisiana Cat.
For Novic, the method of upgrading a ship whereas retaining the effectivity and move of the boat intact is necessary. “There have been situations where it’s taken my team additional time just to clear obstructions out of the way to get to a certain part and that adds up to more downtime,” he defined. “That is why right hull design is so important me, I want to be able to get to any part quickly and do the repair in minimum time. We really like our hull design and the whole interior. The living quarters, galley, wheelhouse, engine room—it’s all beautifully laid out so that everyone can comfortably work and live. Louisiana Cat collaborated with us to find the right fit for our existing hull.”
