General Purpose Tugs to Service Shallow Oil Wells

General Purpose Tugs To Service Shallow Oil Wells

While demand for OSVs to meet the needs of deep water oil exploration remains high, there continues to be a need for vessels to work in the shallow near shore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Rodriguez boat builders of Bayou La Batre, Alabama are building two lugger-style tugs for Louisiana companies. The first, to be launched in January, is for Supreme Towing of Venice, Louisiana. Powered by a pair of 350 hp continuous Cummins NTA-855-M main engines, the 66X22X8-foot hull carries a full shape forward with the bottom brought up quickly at the stern to allow the props and rudders to maintain a minimum depth. Cargo space is provided in four hull tanks for 12,400 gallons of fuel and in another four tanks for 16,350 gallons of water.

The second vessel, to launch in February for Barrios Boat Rental, will carry three of the rugged Cummins NTA-855-M engines in its slightly beamier 66X26X8.5-foot hull. The extra beam allows for a third engine and propeller while maintaining a five foot loaded draft. The larger hull also permits a fuel cargo of 29,400 gallons and 10,800 gallons of water.M

As much a small freighter as a tow boat, a lugger-style tug has the main house built aft leaving a large forward space clear for deck cargo. Although lacking push knees, the model bow can be made up with deck winches for pushing a scow. Fendering around the hull also allows for barges to be carried on the vessel hip while H-bitts aft permit towing.

With accomodation for a crew of four, these versatile boats remain a valuable and indispensible component of the Gulf of Mexico oil supply fleet. All design work and engineer detail are undertaken in house at the Alabama yard by Joe Rodriguez.

For more information and drawings contact:

Joe Rodriguez Jr.
Rodriguez Boat Builders
Bayou LaBatre, AL 36509
Phone: 334 824-4067
Fax: 334 824-4074

Larry Neff
V-P Marine Marketing
Cummins Alabama Inc.
3422 Georgia Pacific Ave.
Mobile, Alabama
Phone: 334 452-6426 Fax: 334 473-6657

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