Marcon brokers sale of 1981-built U.S.-flag tug

Altair (ex-Osprey)

APRIL 13, 2017 — Kirby Offshore Marine Pacific LLC of Houston has sold the 1981-built, 3,800 HP U.S. flag, twin screw tug Altair (ex- Osprey) to U.S. West Coast interests.

Marcon International, Inc. of Coupeville, WA, acted as sole broker in the sale and has handled numerous previous transactions for both buyer and seller.

The 106.5′ x 33.5′ x 17.0′ depth tug was built in 1981 as Hull 8006, the first in a series of three close sister-tugs built by Edward Sanchez Marine Services Corp. of Fall River, MA.

The boats were heavily built, possibly with the Panama Canal in mind, with ½” – 5/8″ shell and bottom plate, a 1″ x 4′ deep belt and displacing abt. 732 long tons at design draft. In any case, Hull 8006 was acquired by Allied Transportation Company of Norfolk, VA, after construction and named Osprey.

Sirius Maritime / Hawaiian Interisland Towing purchased the tug from Allied in 2002-3. That company was acquired by K-Sea Transportation in 2006, which in-turn was acquired by Kirby Corp. in 2011.

The Altair (ex- Osprey) is powered by a pair of turbocharged Alco 12-251C engines developing a total of 3,800 HP at 900 RPM, with Haley 4.5:1 gears and 4-blade 116″ x 80″ fixed pitch, open props on 10.75″ shafts. This gives the tug a bollard pull of about 52.3 short tons.

Towing gear consists of a single drum Rapp-Hydema tow winch with a capacity for 2,400′ of 2″ wire and hydraulic tow pins. The tug is fitted with an upper pilothouse with a 45′ height of eye. Tankage includes 77,000g fuel, 1,900g lube oil, 6,898g potable water and 49,450g ballast. The tug is classed ABS A1, Towing Service, AMS, Unrestricted Service and was laid-up at the time of sale.