Nichols Brothers to build tractor tug for Baydelta

AUGUST 22, 2013—Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Whidbey Island, WA, recently signed a contract with Baydelta Maritime, LLC, San Francisco, CA, for construction of a new 100 ft x 40 ft Z-drive tractor tug. Since 2006 Nichols Brothers has built nine tugs in this series, and including six for Baydelta.

Back in 2006, naval architects Jensen Maritime Consultants of Seattle, WA, Baydelta Navigation, and Nichols Brothers Boat Builders developed the Delta Class Tug Design. The 100 ft x 40 ft escort tractor tug is ABS load line certified and has a propulsion system that includes two Caterpillar 3516C diesel engines coupled to the Rolls Royce US 255 FP Z-drive system. The tug is also equipped with two C6.6 CAT generators. The propulsion package will produce over 90 tons of bollard pull with a combined horsepower of 6,800, giving the tug exceptional pulling power and maneuverability. The vessel is outfitted with two Markey winches, one forward for escort/ship assist and one aft for towing, Smith Berger tow pin aft, SSR Marine fenders, Mackay Marine Electronics, and a Technicold by Northern Lights HVAC system.