First 6K-hp EMD on inland waterways

In mid-April, Conrad Shipyard of Morgan City, La., delivered a 6,000-hp towboat to Canal Barge Company of New Orleans. Built at Conrad-Amelia, La., the 166-foot Subchapter M-compliant H. Merritt ‘Heavy’ Lane Jr. is powered by Tier 4-compliant Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) 12ME23B engines. Designed by MiNO Marine of New Orleans, the vessel has a unique hull form to ensure adequate water flow to the propellers in all operating conditions. The H. Merritt ‘Heavy’ Lane Jr. has a maximum draft of 10-feet 6-inches. “The craftsmanship that went into the design and construction of this modern towboat is a testament to our shipbuilding team and their unwavering commitment to quality in every detail,” Conrad Shipyard Chairman/CEO Johnny Conrad said in a statement. “We are excited to bring online this new state-of-the-art towing vessel, which is the first 6,000-hp EMD of its kind on the inland waterways,” said H. Merritt Lane III, president/CEO of Canal Barge. CBC is one of the largest and most diverse privately-owned marine transportation and logistics solutions providers in the U.S. (Source: Work Boat 04/16/20) https://www.workboat.com/news/shipbuilding/conrad-delivers-6000-hp-towboat-to-canal-barge/