La. yard delivers first of 10 tugs

At the end of 2018, the Louisiana-based Gulf Island Shipyards delivered the first in a series of 10 Z-Tech 30-80 tugs – the Mark E. Kuebler - to Bay Houston (Texas) Towing Co. Designer Robert Allan Ltd released more technical information about the Kuebler. The 30-80 design evolved from the previous Z-Tech 7500 design and its main feature is the incorporation of the designer’s RAstar series hull form. Simulations conducted by an in-house team, and sea trials, showed the tug met all requirements to the design with a bollard pull, ahead of 81.5 MT and a free running speed ahead: 13 knots, which is particularly important for escorting large vessels. (Source: Marine Link 02/07/19) Gulf Island’s Shipyard at Jennings, La., are building the tugs. Jennings is one of three shipyards operated by GIS: Lake Charles and Dularge, La.