The first of ten sister tugs has been delivered by Great Lakes Shipyard to its sister company The Great Lakes Towing Company, both based in Ohio, USA.
The Damen design is a compact one capable of 30.0 tonnes of bollard pull. Its relatively small size and high manoeuvrability make it ideal for the narrow waterways with their many low bridges that characterise the Great Lakes region. The ability to operate safely in icy waters is also essential given the very cold temperatures that occur there in the winter.
Cleveland has got off to a good start. On her first morning in service she was put to work for two ship assists. The first was for Fednav International, Montreal, and the second was for Rand Corporation, based in New Jersey.
The Great Lakes Group traces its root back to 1899, and from its headquarters in Cleveland, operates its shipyard, as well as over 40 tugs based in eleven ports.
