CRESCENT TOWING STRENGTHENS FLEET WITH SERIES OF FOUR NEW 6,000 HP Z-DRIVE TUGBOATS
MOBILE, ALABAMA – Crescent Towing is continuing to strengthen its fleet with the upcoming addition of four 6,000 HP Z-drive tugboats. The vessels, built at Blakeley BoatWorks, will further expand the company’s capabilities on the Mississippi River. Crescent Towing will take delivery of the first vessel in 2027, a second in 2028, and two more in 2029. Once delivered, Crescent Towing’s fleet will include fifteen ASD (Azimuthing Stern Drive) tugs across three operating ports of New Orleans, Mobile, and Savannah. Following the completion of these four vessels, Crescent Towing will continue this initiative long term to further strengthen its fleet.
These new builds will be sister vessels to the recently delivered M/V Kentucky and M/V Angus R. Cooper II, measuring 92’ long and 38’ wide with a draft of 19’ and powered by twin Caterpillar 3516E tier 4 engines, each producing 3,004 HP to power Kongsberg 255 fixed pitch Z-drives.
“Our ongoing new build initiative, in partnership with Blakeley BoatWorks, reflects our investment in reliability, performance, and strength of our fleet,” said Scott H. Cooper, President of Crescent Towing. “We are excited to continue this initiative long-term to further strengthen our fleet and reinforce our commitment to delivering the industry’s highest quality of service.”
“This vessel class has proven to be efficient and reliable through the exceptional performance of the Kentucky and Angus R. Cooper II,” said Keith Kettenring, Executive Vice President of Crescent Towing. “We are excited to further modernize and strengthen our fleet with four additional 92’ 6,000 HP Z-drive tugs from Blakeley BoatWorks to provide our customers with the most reliable service possible.”
The upcoming vessels will be built to ABS classification Maltese cross, A-1 towing, AMS, full ocean service, international load line, and escort class towing. The tugs, designed by Crowley Engineering Services, will have a fuel capacity of 43,846 gallons and a potable water capacity of 16,811 gallons.
“Blakeley BoatWorks is proud to continue our partnership with Crescent Towing on this exceptional class of 6,000 HP tugboats,” said Swathin Kannalath, Managing Director of Blakeley BoatWorks. “These vessels represent the highest standards of design and performance, and we are honored to play a role in delivering quality assets that will efficiently serve their fleet for years to come.”
About Crescent Towing:
Since 1942, Crescent Towing has operated as one of the premier ship assist towing providers in the United States and today, operates on the Mississippi River and in the ports of Mobile, Alabama and Savannah, Georgia. Powered by 24 tugboats with up to 6,700 HP, Crescent Towing operates one of the largest and most technologically advanced ship assist fleets in the world. Crescent Towing is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Cooper Group. To learn more, visit: www.crescenttowing.com.
About Blakeley BoatWorks:
Situated on 26 acres in the heart of the port of Mobile and with capacity to simultaneously service up to 15 towing vessels and barges, Blakeley BoatWorks (BBW) is a full-service shipyard specializing in small vessel repair, barge repair, and new vessel construction. Equipped with a 1,900-ton floating dry dock, 660-ton travel lift, and four covered fabrication shops, BBW is the Gulf Coast's premier towing vessel shipyard. BBW is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Cooper Group. To learn more, visit: www.blakeleyboatworks.com.
About The Cooper Group:
The Cooper Group is anchored by one of America’s oldest and largest stevedoring and maritime firms. Established in 1905, The Cooper Group has operations on all three U.S. coasts and international operations in Mexico. The company maintains ownership in numerous satellite companies, including warehousing, terminal operations, tugboats, push boats, barging, barge fleeting, floating terminals, logistics, forestry operations, vessel repair, and restaurants. The company’s experienced, action-oriented people, state-of-the-art equipment and automated facilities provide customers with safe, efficient and cost-effective movement of cargo anywhere. For more information, visit: www.thecoopergroup.com.