Eastern Shipbuilding delivers the first newbuild USCG Sub-M towboat for Florida Marine Transporters
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. says it has delivered the M/V BRIAN BOUDREAUX (Hull 198) on May 20, 2019, the 68th 90’x 32’x 10’ Inland Towboat. It is also the first new construction USCG Sub-M towboat for Florida Marine Transporters, LLC of Mandeville, LA.
It was in early 2018, when Florida Marine Transporters, LLC signed four more additional towboats, bringing the total to seventy (70) vessels contracted over the last 14 years. The M/V BRIAN BOUDREAUX was constructed at Eastern’s Allanton Facility from a design furnished by Gilbert Associates, Inc. of Boston, MA. The M/V BRIAN BOUDREAUX is the first new construction vessel in the series to be issued a USCG Sub-M Certificate of Inspection (COI).
This order for 90’ towboats originally began with a twenty-five (25) vessel contract, starting deliveries in 2006 and was successfully completed with on-time deliveries. It has expanded to become the largest single Owner, single Shipbuilder, new construction program with the same class towboat design in United States history. Eastern greatly appreciates the long successful relationship for Florida Marine, building high quality and reliable vessels serving US waterways.
Jeff Brumfield, Director of Vessel Engineering and Construction at Florida Marine, said he was very pleased with how the delivery went and that Eastern did a great job working through all the new USCG Sub-M challenges.
The M/V BRIAN BOUDREAUX for Florida Marine is powered by two (2) Caterpillar 3512C Tier 3 diesel engines rated at 1,500 HP at 1,600 RPM, provided by Louisiana CAT Power Systems of Reserve, LA. The reduction gears are direct coupled Twin-Disc Model MG-5600 with a 6.04:1 reduction supplied by Stewart Supply, Inc. of Harvey, Louisiana.
Electrical power is provided by two (2) 99kW John Deere 4045AFM85 99KW Tier 3 generator setsrated for 60 Hz, at 208 VAC provided by Kennedy Engine Company of Biloxi, MS. These diesel engines comply with the current EPA Tier 3 control of emissions of nitrogen oxides from marine diesel engines.
Florida Marine Transporters with Mr. Dennis Pasentine at the Helm since 1997, as CEO his vision is to always achieve excellence in the maritime industry. Together with committed shipmates and a strong work ethic, Florida Marine has developed into one of the largest inland marine companies. Florida Marine proudly serves its customers with one of the youngest towboat and tank barge fleets in the industry, shipping a variety of cargoes such as petrochemicals, chemicals, LPG, crude oil, agricultural liquids and dry cargo. Through the efforts of its experienced leadership team and dedicated vessel and shore side employees, Florida Marine operates in a safe, environmentally sound and efficient manner.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group is a family held Shipbuilding Company located in Panama City, Florida since 1976 and has been a long-time employer in Bay County for over 40 years. Since 2008, Eastern has spent more than $75 million dollars upgrading and expanding its facilities and shipbuilding capabilities to continue expanding and meeting the needs of its Commercial and Government Customers.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. has three new construction and repair facilities engaged in new construction and repair of all types of steel and aluminum vessels including harbor/escort tugs, offshore tugs, dredges, offshore/platform supply vessels, ATB’s, multi-purpose construction vessels, research vessels, firefighting vessels, barges, dredges, ferries, passenger vessels, fishing vessels and inland towboats. Eastern maintains its role as one of the most diversified and innovative construction shipyards in the United States. Eastern Shipbuilding Group continues to remain a custom shipbuilder, delivering twelve (12) vessels of various sizes and designs over the past twenty-four (24) months.