Rhode Island-based Blount Boats has signed a contract with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to construct an ice breaking, all-welded-steel, diesel-powered, double screw tug to operate in seasonal ice near the entrance to and within the upper Niagara River.
This vessel will replace existing vessels in the NYPA fleet currently used for the installation, removal, and maintenance of the Lake Erie Ice Boom and various associated marine construction projects.
Naval architectural and marine engineering firm Bristol Harbor Group developed the contract design and will provide technical oversight during the fabrication process on behalf of the NYPA.
The 17.06- by 5.63-metre shallow draught tug will be powered by two Caterpillar series C-9 engines, each rated at 279kW at 1,800rpm. The vessel's hull, machinery, electrical systems, and safety equipment will comply and be inspected in accordance with USCG Subchapter M – Towing Vessels.
Delivery of the vessel to NYPA's facility on the Buffalo River Entrance Channel is scheduled for the fall of 2019.