Metal Trades celebrates launch of its first self-powered vessel

Vessel will push a barge serving Bald Head Island, a residential and vacation island in North Carolina

JUNE 30, 2017 — Metal Trades Inc. (MTI), Yonges Island, SC, has just marked a milestone. After 55 years of building barges and overhauling government and commercial vessels, the shipyard has launched its first ever built self-powered vessel.

Named Capt Cooper, the 50 ft x 24 ft x 8 ft pushboat  is for Bald Head Island Limited, LLC, of North Carolina.

Attendees at the vessel’s champagne christening including MTI owners, shareholders, and executive leadership, Bald Head Island’s executive leadership and the crew that will be operating the vessel.

Capt Cooper is powered by two main propulsion engine/gearsets configured for Port/Starboard twin screw application. Its John Deere 6135AFM85 keel-cooled marine diesel engines are rated at 425 hp at 1,900 rev/min M-2 Rating Tier 3 and drive twin props via ZF W350 electric shift 3.968:1 ratio marine gears.

Rusty Corbin, MTI’s CEO, waits as his grandaughter, Talyn Savage, prepares to break the traditional bottle of champagne

Steering is by four main rudders and four flanking rudders for maneuverability. The deck gear is two Patterson wire winches.

The vessel is constructed to ABS specifications, but it is not classed.

Construction of the vessel commenced in 2016. It is anticipated to enter into operations in July. It will be the push boat for a barge that services Bald Head Island, a residential and vacation island in North Carolina.

Tug on shipyard railway, prior to launch