MIW completes 1st of 3 tows for Kirby

Main Iron Works of Houma, La., recently completed the first in a series of three Subchapter M-certified 2,680-hp towboats for Kirby Inland Marine of Houston. The 88-foot Bailey is powered by a pair of Caterpillar 3512C-HD diesel engines, turning 1,340 hp at 1,600 rpm each through Twin Disc MG-5600 gears with 6.04:1 reduction ratios and a shaft braking system. “It is a pleasure working with Main Iron Works on the construction of one of the first Subchapter M towboats being built,” John Sansing, Kirby senior VP of maintenance, said in a prepared statement. Kirby is one of the nation’s largest tank barge operators that transports products along the Intracoastal Waterway, and Mississippi, Illinois and Ohio rivers. Main Iron Works specializes in the construction, repair, and repowering of marine vessels and barges; and is located at the 50-mile marker of the Intracoastal Waterway. (Work Boat 01/21/19)