Donjon Shipbuilding floats out tugboat

The Erie, Pa., shipyard of Donjon Shipbuilding and Repair has floated the 135-foot-long, 10,500-horsepower tugboat Ken Boothe Sr. into Presque Isle Bay. The vessel was moved from Donjon Shipbuilding’s 1,250-foot graving dock to a wet berth within the facility where final construction and outfitting of the vessel will be completed in mid-February 2011.

The vessel is named for Mr. Kenneth Boothe, Sr., former President of Donjon Shipbuilding and Repair, who passed away suddenly last June.

A 740-foot companion barge is also being constructed and the combined ATB (Articulated Tug and Barge), will be involved in the transportation of bulk commodities on the Great Lakes beginning in Spring 2012.

“This is a significant step forward for Donjon Shipbuilding and for the people who have supported this facility since it reopened under Donjon’s name in December 2009. We look forward to completing this vessel and look forward to more successes in the future,” said Ken Boothe, Jr., General Manager.

December 29, 2010