Theatre
March 3, 2008March 5
March 5, 2008
Crescent Towing’s tug Admiral Jackson is back in action after undergoing a conversion from a single- to a twin-engine docking/assist tug at Bollinger Algiers L.L.C.
The Admiral Jackson is the fifth of eight Crescent Towing 105-foot sister ships to undergo the same major conversion at the facility.
The vessel underwent a total redesign, including its wheelhouse, stern section and propulsion system. Two 228 General Electric 8-cylinder engines replace the old model. The engines, coupled to Reintjes 4-to-1 reduction gears, drive the 85-inch Bollinger stainless steel propellers.
According to Bollinger, the rudders are at a 45-degree angle, providing better maneuverability. The new power package is designed to generate over 100,000 pounds of bollard pull.
The Admiral Jackson’s new wheelhouse includes improved window placement and low profile stacks for maximum visibility and a new electronics package: GPS, radars, depth sounders, hailers, VHF radios, fax machines, sound-powered telephones, as well as fuel emergency shut-off systems and remote-control start and stops for the main engines. New fendering was also installed for maximum protection during docking maneuvers, and the new galley and living area furnishings focused on crew comfort, with new air conditioning and heater systems.
With the installation of the new propulsion system, the Admiral Jackson received new channel coolers, Coast Guard approved oily-water separators, new sanitary systems and all regulatory documents were renewed.
Prior to the conversion project, Bollinger Algiers successfully converted the Florida, Louisiana, Ned Ferry and G. Shelby Friedrichs, Crescent single-screw tugs, re-powering each to twin screw with similar renovation and life extension. All are part of the Crescent fleet of docking/assist tugs servicing the shipping community on the lower Mississippi River.
New Orleans-based Crescent Towing is part of the Cooper Group of companies. Its 23 tugs provide harbor towage for vessels on the Mississippi, Mobile and Savannah rivers.
In other company news, Bollinger Marine Fabricators L.L.C. signed a contract to design and build a 55,000 barrel Oil Pollution Act of 1990 compliant tank barge with Martin Midstream Partners LP.
“Martin has been a long time customer to Bollinger’s repair and conversion group, and we are excited that Bollinger is Martin’s shipyard of choice for this project,” said company executive vice president of new construction Chris Bollinger.
The tank barge will be built at Bollinger’s Amelia site.
The M 6000 will be a clean oil barge that is classed and certified ABS + A1 Oil Tank Barge, Manned Ocean Services. The barge will measure 350-foot long, with a 70-foot beam and a depth of 25-feet. It will have 10 cargo compartments and two separate pumping systems.
Crescent Towing tug Admiral Jackson completes her first ship assist project following her re-powering/conversion at Bollinger Algiers L.L.C. * Photo courtesy of BOLLINGER SHIPYARDS
