Master Marine set to deliver second of two towboats to Osage Marine
Written by Heather Ervin
M/V Frank Mellor
Master Marine, Inc., Bayou La Batre, Ala., will soon deliver the M/V Frank Mellor, the second of two vessels ordered at the shipyard by Osage Marine Services Inc., St. Louis, Mo. Like the first vessel, the Subchapter M-compliant Frank Mellor measures 67- by 28-feet and is designed by Entech Designs LLC, Kenner, La.
Power is supplied by pair of Laborde Products Mitsubishi S6R2-Y3MPTAW Tier 3 marine diesels, each developing 803 hp at 1,400 rpm, coupled to Twin Disc 5321 gears.
Laborde Products also supplied the vessel’s twin Northern Lights M65C13.2S 65 kW Tier 3 electronically controlled generators.
The vessel is fitted with R.W. Fernstrum Inc. keel coolers throughout.
Thrust to the boat’s Sound Propeller Services Inc. 70- by 48- by 7-inch four-bladed stainless steel propellers is provided via two J & S Machine Works Inc. 7-inch ABS Grade 2 propeller shafts fitted with Thordon Marine bearings, Thorplas bushings and shaft seals.
The two 7-inch main rudders and four 7-inch flanking rudders are controlled by a Rio Controls and Hydraulic Inc. steering system.
The towboat has a pair of Quincy F325 reciprocating air compressors and ventilation fans from Gulf Coast Air & Hydraulics Inc.
Schuyler Maritime LLC is providing the vessels with 18- by 12-inch rubber fendering around the entire perimeter and push knees.
The vessel will have three crew staterooms for six crew members, 1 ½ baths and a full galley arrangement.
All interior spaces are served by a Daiken mini-split heat pump HVAC system from Outfitters International supply, while all custom woodwork and interior finishes are by Blakeney Marine.
Donavon Marine provided the vessel’s large Bomar aluminum windows and Dales Welding and Fabricators LLC, the aluminum exterior doors.
The towboat has a pair of 40-ton deck winches from Wintech International LLC, and New World Inc. is the provider of all of the electronics and communications, with Unlimited Control & Supply Inc. supplying the alarm system.
The boat has a 7-foot, 9-inch maximum working draft and tankage for 10,400 gallons of fuel, 4,359 gallons of potable water and 9,500 gallons of ballast water.
ON THE HORIZON AT MASTER MARINE
Master Marine has four other 67- by 28-foot towboats under construction at its yard for one client, with another contract signed on a 70- by 30-foot towboat for Bayou Fleet Inc., Hahnville, La.
Additionally, the company has recently teamed up with Marine Chartering Associates LLC for the construction of a Subchapter M-compliant 67- by 28-foot, 1,600 hp towboat along with a second boat option. Entech Designs LLC provided the towboat design. The first vessel will be delivered and placed into service by the end of this summer, with the additional option vessel if exercised to follow.
