Parker Towing christens new towboat M/V Chipper Rabbit

Chipper Rabbit standing in front of his namesake vessel. (Photo Credit: Danita Coger)

Parker Towing Company, Mobile, Ala., has christened the M/V Chipper Rabbit, a new 1,400-horsepower towboat built by Serodino Inc. of Chattanooga, Tenn., for the company’s Mobile Operations Division.

The vessel honors longtime Parker Towing executive Chipper Rabbit, who has served as the company’s vice president of finance and chief financial officer since joining the company in 1997. Rabbit also serves as secretary of Parker Towing’s board of directors and has played a key role in the company’s financial management and long-term growth.

Built in 2026, the Chipper Rabbit measures 60 feet by 24 feet and is powered by twin Mitsubishi main engines producing a combined 1,400 horsepower. The propulsion system includes dual 4.03:1 reduction gears. The towboat will support Parker Towing’s operations along the Gulf Coast and inland waterways.

The christening ceremony included remarks from Parker Towing President Tim Parker III, comments about the vessel from Peter Serodino IV, an invocation by Jerry Hewitt and the ceremonial christening led by Rabbit and his grandchildren.

Before joining Parker Towing, Rabbit held financial leadership positions at Shelby Die Casting and Pennaco Hosiery, a division of Danskin Inc. He began his career in public accounting, spending 10 years with Ernst & Whinney and BDO Seidman.

During nearly three decades with Parker Towing, Rabbit has worked across the company’s operating divisions, helping oversee its financial resources, risk management and long-term business strategy.

Parker Towing said naming the vessel after Rabbit recognizes his longstanding contributions to the company and the inland marine industry.