Diversified Marine’s Frank Manning to present on tug trends at TTB
Written by Marine Log Staff
Frank Manning, executive director of president and COO, Diversified Marine Inc
Frank Manning, executive director of business development and operations at Diversified Marine Inc. (DMI), Portland, Ore., will present at this year’s free virtual presentation of Marine Log’s TTB –Tugs, Towboats & Barges conference, being held March 23 and 24.
Manning will speak on the trend of tugs moving away from “do everything” vessels and moving towards mission-specific tugboats. Manning says this trend is particularly evident on the U.S. West Coast.
Some key points Manning will cover during his presentation include:
- “Do everything” tugs don’t do anything well;
- North Slope/Alaskan oil projects are on hold or canceled;
- Containerships are bigger, tugs need to be smaller and more powerful to maneuver in congested ports;
- With rising labor costs, “do everything” tugs cost 30% more to build, require more crew and maintenance once in service; and
- How mission-specific tugs give more flexibility for future fuel sources (i.e. battery tugs are coming to ports. They will not be able to tow at sea.)
Manning works closely with customers, industry leaders and DMI’s production team to maximize the value provided to vessel operators.
He and his team are building a culture based on constant improvement, with the goal of building a shipyard for the next generation of customers.
“The DMI team is excited about the industry’s next decade and see huge potential in future fuel sources, autonomous solutions, developing the next generation of craftsmen and lean manufacturing strategies,” says Manning.
Diversified Marine Inc. is an experienced tugboat builder. It recently purchased another dry dock, a new crane, and underwent a yard renovation to offer vessel repair services at its shipyard.
- To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact David Harkey at dharkey@sbpub.com.
