PANAMA CITY, FL – Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) reached an exciting milestone today, initiating steel cutting for the first of four advanced escort tugs for Saltchuk Marine at its Allanton Facility. Attending the ceremony were key members of Saltchuk’s leadership team. These high-performance vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2026.
“Our team is excited to begin construction on these state-of-the-art escort tugs for Saltchuk,” said Joey D’Isernia, Chairman and CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. “We are confident these vessels will set a new standard for performance, providing exceptional service for Pacific Ocean operations.”
“Saltchuk could not ask for a better partner than ESG in building our next generation of harbor tugboats,” said Jason Childs, Saltchuk Marine’s President and CEO. “The improved physical and environmental performance of these four vessels set a new standard for tugboat design that will positively impact the marine industry and American commerce for the next several decades. The project’s progress with ESG’s leadership has been flawless in the initial phases.”
As a leading U.S. builder of commercial vessels, Eastern Shipbuilding Group has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality, resilient tugs on time and within budget. Over the last 20 years, ESG has successfully delivered 35 ship assist tugs, consistently meeting the rigorous demands of its clients. This new contract launches Saltchuk Marine’s comprehensive fleet renewal project, with the four escort tugs set to bolster West Coast port operations while meeting stringent EPA Tier 4 and California Air Resources Board (CARB) environmental standards.
VESSEL SPECS:
Customer – Saltchuk
Delivery – 2026
Type – Ship Assist/Escort Tug
Length, overall – 84′-0″ (excluding fenders)
Breadth, moulded – 42′-0″
Depth, moulded – 14′-0″
Draft, navigation – 18′-7″
Accommodation for – 8 persons
Speed, ahead – 12 knots
Bollard Pull, minimum – 95 Short Tons (86.2 MT)
Main Engines – Caterpillar 3516E, EPA Tier 4, 3500 hp (2610 kW) @ 1,800 rpm
Thrusters – Schottel RudderPropeller SRP 510
Hawser Winch – Markey Machine DEPGF-52, 75HP, Single Drum Class II Winch
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Photos from the event and a rendering of the tugs curtesy of Robert Allan Ltd. are located here.
About Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) is an American owned and operated shipbuilder with three shipyards on the Florida Gulf Coast. They build world class vessels for national defense and commercial clients, including the U.S. Coast Guard’s Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutters. ESG is the largest private sector employer in Northwest Florida and is a 2017 recipient of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Small Business of the Year award. With a portfolio of over 350 vessels and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) certified systems, ESG is known as one of the most diverse vessel construction companies in the country. www.easternshipbuilding.com
About Saltchuk Marine
The Saltchuk Marine family, with the tugboat as the center of our services, is steeped in a rich and storied history of innovation and service. With a keen use of technology, Saltchuk Marine companies: Foss Maritime, Young Brothers, Cook Inlet Tug & Barge, AmNav Maritime, and Foss Offshore Wind continue to lead the industry in harbor services and marine transportation solutions, with safety and the environment leading our principles. Saltchuk Marine is part of Saltchuk. Saltchuk provides air cargo, domestic shipping, international shipping, logistics, marine services, and energy distribution services throughout North America. Visit www.saltchuk.com for more information.
