Harley Marine adds two Z-drive tugs to fleet

Michelle Sloan

MARCH 20, 2015 — Harley Marine Services, Seattle, WA, is adding two new ship handling vessels to its fleet. Built by shipbuilder Diversified Marine, Portland, OR, they are an improved version of Harley’s existing RAmparts 2500 Z-drive tugs, the Tim Quigg and John Quigg, designed by Robert Allan.

The first of the two, the Michelle Sloan, was set for delivery from the shipyard today and her sister class vessel, the Lela Franco, will follow just three months afterwards.

The vessels will each have a length of 80 ft, a beam of 36 ft and a depth of 16 ft-8 in.

The 5,200 horsepower tugs are able to deliver 65 tons of bollard pull. Each is equipped with two CAT 3516 Tier III engines and two 125 kW John Deere 6068, Tier III generators. The cutting edge engines reduce NOx and particulate matter, by 74% compared with Tier II. This reinforces both Harley Marine and Caterpillar’s commitment to being environmentally responsible industry leaders.

Each tug is equipped with a Markey bow winch, a barge handling stern winch, and Shibata fendering.

Sound proofing material has been added to the bulk heads and decks to improve life onboard the vessel for the crew.

A closed circuit TV (CCTV) has been installed to the engine room for semi-automation. The CCTV can be accessed from the wheelhouse or ashore for management to monitor. The vessels are being built with the most technically and environmentally advanced equipment available and will exceed all regulatory, internal, and customers’ needs and expectations.

Harley Marine Services says has chosen to name the first tug the MIchelle Sloan “after a remarkable women who is very important to the company.”

“Michelle was an exceedingly generous person whose greatest talent and joy was bringing people together,” says Harley. “She was a creative, loving and truly creative wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Michelle was honest to a fault and someone who could always be counted on. She brought so much depth, joy and fullness to the lives of those around her and deeply loved everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.

“On November 21, 2014, Michelle lost a 12-year battle with breast cancer, which she always characterized as living with cancer. With her husband Marc by her side, she endured chemotherapies, radiation, cyber knife and a variety of other painful interventions. She faced all of her challenges head on with a steely resolve and determination to beat cancer.

“Harley Marine chose to honor Michelle by naming a tugboat after her to celebrate her strength, courage and service to others even in the face of extreme challenges. This also gives an opportunity to shine a light on powerful women in the maritime industry and the impact they have in our community.”Michelle was excited about the prospect of having a boat named after her. She will be sorely missed.”

 Michelle Sloan, says Harley will “bring beauty, style, power and grace to Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors.”