Crescent Towing to add four new 6,000 hp Z-drive tugboats

Latest Crescent Towing newbuilds will be sister vessels to the recently delivered M/V Kentucky and M/V Angus R. Cooper II, pictured here. [Photo: Crescent Towing]

Mobile, Ala.-based Crescent Towing is continuing to strengthen its fleet with the upcoming addition of four 6,000 HP Z-drive tugboats. The vessels, built at sister Cooper Group member Blakeley BoatWorks, will further expand the company’s capabilities on the Mississippi River.

Crescent Towing will take delivery of the first vessel in 2027, a second in 2028, and two more in 2029. Once delivered, the company’s fleet will include fifteen ASD (azimuthing stern drive) tugs operating in the ports of New Orleans, Mobile, and Savannah. Following the completion of these four vessels, Crescent Towing will continue this initiative long term.

These newbuilds will be sister vessels to the recently delivered M/V Kentucky and M/V Angus R. Cooper II, measuring 92 x 38 feet with a draft of 19 feet and powered by twin Caterpillar 3516E tier 4 engines, each producing 3,004 HP to power Kongsberg Maritime255 fixed pitch Z-drives.

“Our ongoing newbuild initiative, in partnership with Blakeley BoatWorks, reflects our investment in reliability, performance, and strength of our fleet,” said Scott H. Cooper, president of Crescent Towing. “We are excited to continue this initiative long-term to further strengthen our fleet and reinforce our commitment to delivering the industry’s highest quality of service.”

“This vessel class has proven to be efficient and reliable through the exceptional performance of the Kentucky and Angus R. Cooper II,” said Crescent Towing EVP Keith Kettenring, “We are excited to further modernize and strengthen our fleet with four additional 92’ 6,000 HP Z-drive tugs from Blakeley BoatWorks to provide our customers with the most reliable service possible.”

The upcoming vessels will be built to ABS classification Maltese cross, A-1 towing, AMS, full ocean service, international load line, and escort class towing. The tugs, designed by Crowley Engineering Services, will have a fuel capacity of 43,846 gallons and a potable water capacity of 16,811 gallons.

“Blakeley BoatWorks is proud to continue our partnership with Crescent Towing on this exceptional class of 6,000 HP tugboats,” said Swathin Kannalath, managing director of Blakeley BoatWorks. “These vessels represent the highest standards of design and performance, and we are honored to play a role in delivering quality assets that will efficiently serve their fleet for years to come.”