Vigor Fab has been awarded a contract by Tidewater Barge Lines of Vancouver, Wash, to construct 3 new tugboats. Construction of the first tug will start on Jan. 24, 2014, with the keel laying (the formal recognition of the start of a ship’s construction) at Vigor’s facility in Portland.

Vigor explain that while Tidewater has rebuilt and repowered several of the vessels in its fleet, these tugs will be the first newly built vessels for the company in nearly 30 years. Delivery of the first tug will be in December 2014, with the 2nd and 3rd to follow in 2015.

Designed by CT Marine, of Edgecomb, Maine, these state-of-the-art vessels were specially designed to service the Columbia River market. The tug engines are EPA Tier III compliant and provide upgraded environmental standards for cleaner emissions and a lower environmental impact. The tug design also features ergonomic accommodations and comforts proven to minimize fatigue and reduce injuries amongst crew.

Vigor’s 60-acre yard, oversized 800 foot build way and extensive fabrication bays provide the capacity and flexibility for new builds of all types. In recent years, Vigor has methodically increased its capacity to build new vessels for commercial customers. The company’s investments in infrastructure and personnel have given it a strong competitive position to go after and win a diverse range of new construction projects including barges, ferries, fishing vessels and now tugs.

“Tidewater has provided top-notch tug and barge service for more than 80 years,” said Bryan Nichols, sales manager of Vigor Industrial. “We’re honored they chose us to help make this critical investment in their future.”

“Vigor is a great fit for this project. The company has proven itself as a competitive shipbuilder with the capacity we need and the quality we demand. We are eager to start our new build program and be able to put these tugs to work for our customers,” said Bob Curcio, President & CEO at Tidewater.


Vessel Characteristics

Length: 102’

Width:   38’

Draft:    11’

Engines: Two Caterpillar 3516 Tier 3 Engines, 4500 HP Total