The U.S.’ first linehaul towing vessel powered by Tier 4 Caterpillar high-speed engines with selective catalytic discount( SCR) was constructed by Blakeley BoatWorks (BBW) and is now operated by Cooper Marine and Timberlands (CMT).
In March 2021, Blakeley BoatWorks accomplished building of M/V Gretchen V. Cooper, a state-of-the-art, Tier-4 inland linehaul tow boat. This 3,400-horsepower vessel is 110-feet lengthy, 33-feet huge, and expands CMT’s fleet to twenty vessels.
At the moment, Tier-4 diesel engine requirements are the strictest U.S. Environmental Safety Company (EPA) emissions necessities for brand new engines present in inland marine vessels. Tier-4 compliant engines considerably cut back emissions of particulate matter, or black soot, and nitrogen oxide. These engines save gasoline and cut back emissions by greater than 86% for big functions like marine vessels.
“Our clients count on Blakeley BoatWorks and Cooper Marine & Timberlands to drive business innovation, and our constructing and working one of many business’s most environmentally pleasant tow boats marks our unwavering dedication to at all times exceed their expectations,” mentioned Angus R. Cooper III, President, Cooper/T. Smith, mother or father firm to each BBW and CMT, headquartered within the port of Cellular, Ala. “Naming a ship after my spouse Gretchen meant that we couldn’t simply accept constructing a typical towboat, and due to this fact the M/V Gretchen V. Cooper will likely be one of the vital highly effective towing vessels working on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and can paved the way for a brand new business commonplace for lowered emissions on towboats.”
CMT’s port operations are powered by 20 towing vessels, greater than 400 hopper barges and one of many nation’s largest fleet of dry bulk gantry and floating derrick cranes. The corporate’s marine footprint consists of the Tennessee-Tombigbee River system, Ohio River, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Illinois River, Arkansas River, Cumberland River, Black Warrior River, Tennessee River, Tombigbee River, Cellular River, and Mississippi River. CMT’s stevedoring operations embrace two deep-draft bulk cargo terminals within the Port of Cellular and quite a few inland marine terminals all through the states of Alabama and Mississippi.
“The continued investments that CMT is making throughout our fleet greatest ensures that our clients will proceed to obtain the most secure, most environmentally pleasant, and highest stage of service in our area,” mentioned James Fowler, Managing Director of Marine & Stevedoring Operations for Cooper Marine and Timberlands and Government Vice President for Blakeley BoatWorks. “As was true when BBW constructed a few of the nation’s first subchapter M new building towing vessels and now, as we ship a brand new linehaul with the most recent and most superior carbon discount know-how, BBW eagerly stands able to ship on our business’s latest and most difficult jobs.”
The Gretchen V. Cooper is powered by two Caterpillar C3512E 3,400 HP Tier IV diesel marine engines working at 1,800 RPM and matched to Twin Disc MGX5600 gears. Thompson Caterpillar additionally equipped electrical energy with two Caterpillar C4.4 Tier III turbines with RW Fernstrum, Inc. keel coolers all through.
A pair of Southeastern Propeller 88” x 74’ x 9” four-blade stainless-steel propellers present thrust by means of two (2) J & S Machine Works, Inc. 9” ABS Grade two propeller shafts with Cutlass shaft bearings, Thordon rudder bearings, and Kemel shaft seals. Gulf Coast Air and Hydraulics equipped the steering system for the 2 9” predominant and 4 8” flanking rudders.
Hydra Power LLC offered a pair of Quincy reciprocating air compressors, with air flow followers offered by Donovan Marine. Schuyler Maritime, LLC equipped various sizes of rubber fendering across the perimeter of the vessel and push knees.
Stone Development offered a Mitsubishi mini-split HVAC system in all inside areas with Blakeley BoatWorks offering all customized woodwork and inside finishes. Bozant equipped aluminum and rubber-framed home windows and Donovan Marine equipped a pair of Patterson 40-ton deck winches. Blakeley BoatWorks put in all electronics, communications, and an alarm system.
The towboat has a capability of 44,200 gallons of gasoline, 10,000 gallons of potable water, together with offering a most 8’-6” working draft. The vessel is outfitted with six crew staterooms housing eight crewmen, 4.5 baths and a full galley association.
