ESG delivers 5th vessel since Michael

On Aug. 16, Eastern Shipbuilding Group delivered the Escort Z-Drive Tug Capt. Jim McAllister (ESG #223) to McAllister Towing. It is the third ESG delivery from the same Jensen Maritime Consultants of Seattle, Wash., design to full ABS Class Maltese Cross standards. The vessel has been issued its USCG Sub-M Certificate of Inspection (COI). This is Eastern’s second construction of a new USCG Sub-M qualified tugboat, under COI regulations. Coast Guard Station Panama City conducted all inspections. It is the fifth vessel to be delivered by the shipyard since Hurricane Michael, a category 5 storm, which devastated the region last October. The delivery marks a milestone in Eastern’s return to normal operations, and its commitment to recovery and economic stability for the regional industrial base. Other shipbuilding projects include three Staten Island Ferries, CG Offshore Patrol Cutters, large commercial fishing trawler, two harbor tugs, and two river push-boats. ESG is actively bidding on other projects to support its skilled manufacturing jobs for NW Florida, and 25 other states where Eastern buys material, equipment, and specialized services. Since the hurricane, ESG has repaired or replaced all impacted equipment, buildings, and shipbuilding infrastructure. (Source: Eastern Shipbuilding Group 08/22/19)