Bay Towing orders Z-Tech 30-85 ASD tug at Sterling Shipyard

Z-Tech 30-85 ASD tug. [Image:Bay Towing]

Houston–based Bay Towing reports that Philip E. Kuebler, the company’s president and CEO, has, signed a contract with Sterling Shipyard LLC in Port Neches, Texas, covering the construction of a Robert Allan Ltd. designed Z-Tech 30-85 tug.

• ABS ✠ A1 Towing Vessel
• ABS Escort Vessel
• ABS Fire Fighting Vessel Class 1 (FFV1)
• ABS Low Emission Vessel (LEV US)
• ABS ✠ AMS
• Power: 7,000 HP
• LOA: 98.5 feet (30 Meters)
• Beam: 42.6 feet
• Draft: 19.5 feet

“The addition of the Z-Tech 30-85 will be yet another exciting and important milestone for Bay Towing, further demonstrating our commitment to adapt to the evolving needs of our customers and the unique waterways that we serve,” said Justin Knight, commercial director of Bay Towing.b” As our channels get deeper and ship tonnage increases, we will be ready to meet the demands of the industry. The power, reliability and maneuverability of the Robert Allan design will take us firmly into the next chapter of our operations.”

The Z-Tech 30-85 is an azimuth stern drive (ASD) high performance escort vessel that includes characteristics from the Robert Allan RAstar series tugs. Sponsons have been added to suit the Z-Tech hull form to increase the escort capability of the Z-Tech 30-80 class. A pair of Caterpillar 3516-E HD Tier 4 EPA compliant low emission engines will power two model SRP-510FP Schottel drives. The tugs’ 7,000 horsepower is designed to produce more than 93 short tons (85 metric tonnes) of direct bollard pull. The tug’s large bollard pull and proven escort performance makes it well suited to handle the largest and deepest vessels calling the Sabine-Neches Waterway.

The deck machinery package will consist of a forward escort winch with render and recovery capability and continuous tension monitoring. The winch will be outfitted with 750 feet. of 10-inch circumference HMPE synthetic line.

A pair of EPA-compliant Caterpillar C7.1 industrial diesel engines rated for continuous operation at 125 kW will provide electrical power.

Bay Towing traces its roots in the harbor towage industry back to the early 1900s, building on a long-standing tradition of maritime service along the Gulf Coast. Bay Towing was revitalized through an acquisition in December 2023, marking a new chapter in its legacy as part of a respected family of companies.