Posted on September 25, 2024
Bisso Towboat Co. Inc., Luling, La., announced the delivery of its newest low emission ship-assist tug, the 5,000-hp ASD tractor tug Mr. Brian. The Mr. Brian is the sixth ASD tractor tug built for Bisso Towboat in the past nine years by Main Iron Works LLC, Houma, La. The new tug is named in honor of Bisso’s long-time vice president, operations, Brian Cyprowski.
The 100’x38’x13.5′ Mr. Brian is powered by Caterpillar 3516E Tier 4F main engines, generating 2,500 hp each at 1,600 rpm, which drive two Kongsberg US205S Z-drives. The Z-drives feature 2,400-millimeter diameter, 4-bladed stainless-steel propellers in stainless steel nozzles. Estimated bollard pull is 68 tons.
Electrical service is provided by two 118 kW Caterpillar generators powered by Caterpillar C4.4 engines. The tug is equipped with a JonRie series 240 escort winch featuring 500′ of 2 ¾” diameter Saturn 12 line.
Other features include USCG-approved engine room monitoring and fire/smoke alarm systems, fixed CO2 fire extinguishing system, Simrad navigation/electronics, soundproof insulation throughout engine room/crew quarters, stainless steel bitts and bow staple and four bunk rooms with seven berths.
Tankage includes capacities for 30,162 gals. of diesel, 11,000 gals. potable water, 1,825 gals. each of lube and hydraulic oil and 2,000 gals. of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
The Mr. Brian will have a crew complement of four and carries an ABS International Load Line in addition to being built to Subchapter M certification and receiving a USCG COI.
With the addition of the Mr. Brian, Bisso Towboat is the only ship-assist company on the river with a daily operating fleet of 100% ASD tractor tugs.
