ESG's forward-thinking Thunderbolt

Eastern Shipbuilding’s forward-thinking inland towboat design features (Caterpillar’s) CAT Tier 4 propulsion and after-treatment. Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) of Panama City, Fla., first introduced its 4,000 horsepower (hp) Thunderbolt inland towboat that's designed around a twin azimuthing AAA Propulsion electric V-Pod configuration and diesel-electric technology in 2015. The collaborative input included operators, naval architects, and propulsion original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). In selecting the propulsion pod system for inclusion in the design, ESG met with inland owner-operators that had, and didn’t have, Z-Drive towboats. After listening, ESG selected the V-Pod. ESG also designed underwater protection for the Thunderbolt: Pipe guard protection system for each V-Pod. The pipe guards protected from side bank and stern impacts. Now that the new EPA Tier 4-compliant CAT engines are part of the concept design, it may be a positive combination for those looking for a next new-build package. ESG coined the Thunderbolt as a future vision for inland waterways. (Source: Marine Link 09/13/17)