Big Power, Shallow Draft
Cummins Vessel Reference #703
Bayou LaBatre Alabama has long been recognized for the production of its many shipyards. Currently the Rodriguez Shipyard is in the process of adding several more tugs to the dozens that they have launched over the decades.
From the computer assisted design work of owner Joey Rodriguez, the latest creation is a shallow draft triple screw tug for Roy Garber’s Sea Cypress LLC in Berwick Louisiana. At 78 by 28 feet Rodriguez Hull #307 has a ten-foot molded depth. Three Cummins QSK19-M diesels, each delivering 660 HP to Twin Disc gears, turn six-inch Aquamet shafts with four-blade stainless steel props.
A pair of 40 kw gensets provide electrical power for the tug including a pair of Smatco 55 deck winches. An elevated wheelhouse will make possible the pushing, as well as towing, of barges while sheltered aft controls will facilitate making up to barges.
Work in and around the shallows of the Mississippi deltas and bayous can present real challenges to a tug that must also navigate sections of open water. With nearly 2000 HP, this vessel from Rodriguez will add to the shipyard’s well-established reputation for tugs designed and built with deep draft power in a shallow draft tug.
General Arrangement courtesy of Rodriguez Shipyard
For further information:
April Rodriguez
Rodriguez Boat Builders
P.O. Box 8422
Bayou LaBatre
Alabama 36509
USA
Phone: 251 824 4067
E-Mail: prila.rodriguez@yahoo.com
Larry Neff
Territory Sales Manager
Cummins Mid-South, Inc.
1924 E I-65 Service Rd. N
Mobile Al 36617
USA
Phone: 251 706 2754
E-Mail: larry.e.neff@cummins.com
Alan Haig-Brown
Over 30 years as an author for global commercial marine and fishing publications backed with hands-on experience on commercial fishing boats and coastal freighters makes Alan Haig-Brown uniquely qualified to provide vessel reference articles for Cummins Marine. You can find him in shipyards around the world, and on his own website, www.haig-brown.com.
