Jensen completes design of Tier III compliant ASD tugboat

Seattle- based Jensen Maritime Consultants, Inc., a Crowley company, recently completed custom design work for the Bob Franco, a new Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tugboat for Harley Marine Services. The vessel – measuring 120 feet in length and 35 feet in width – is one of the first to be powered by Tier III CAT C175 engines, which have lower emissions than Tier II models, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

Construction on the vessel is underway at Diversified Marine, Inc., in Portland, Ore., and is expected to be completed in 2012.

“The construction of a tugboat that meets Tier III emissions compliance is a great step forward in environmental protection for our industry,” said Jensen VP Johan Sperling. “It was important for us to design a powerful and capable tugboat for Harley, but also one that takes care of the environment in the process.”

Bob Franco, which will be home ported in Seattle, will have a crew capacity of 13. The vessel is the fourth in a series of these tugboats designed by Jensen. The first three were designed and built for Western Towboat in Seattle.

Once construction is complete, the Bob Franco will be used to assist barges delivering supplies to rural communities in Alaska and was designed with highly capable Z-Drives, which offer increased maneuverability when working with vessels in the many narrow channels and fast tides of Alaska. Additionally, the tug is designed to more easily move alongside barges to help them dock safely in nearly any condition.

“Being selected to design this tugboat was an honor,” said Mr. Sperling. “We look forward to seeing it in action and know that Harley Marine Services will be very pleased with the design, quality and performance.”

Harley Marine Services has been recognized for its environmental initiative, commitment and stewardship. Since 2009,  it has been awarded four major environmental awards.

Some of the company’s environmental initiatives have included an aggressive overhaul and replacement program to upgrade tugboat engines to reduce NOx emissions, a new generation of patented barge mounted Vapor Recovery Units that exceeds all air quality requirements, and a very robust Environmental Management System which has been implemented in all segments of the company. Harley Marine Services has attained ISO 14001 Environmental Certification for all subsidiary companies including tugs, barges, shops and offices, in addition to ISO 9001 Safety Management System and American Waterways Operators – Responsible Carrier Program.

Diversified Marine, Inc. (DMI), builder of Bob Franco, has been providing build, repair and drydocking services to the maritime community on the Pacific Rim for three decades. Located in Portland, Ore., the shipyard’s  fresh-water facility, crane capacities and an exceptional workforce allow it to be a leader in quality construction of high-powered tugs.

August 1, 2011