Horizon Shipbuilding, Bayou La Batre, Ala., has delivered the third of three 80'×33'×10'6" towboats for Mandeville, La.-based Florida Marine Transporters. Designed by John W. Gilbert Associates, Hingham, Mass., the steel-hulled Michael Akiu #86 is named for the current Florida Marine employee and former Houston Oiler wide receiver. The contract was originally let in 2013. In the last eight years, Horizon has built seven 140', three 120' and three 80' vessels for FMT. Main propulsion for the Michael Akiu #86 comes from twin Caterpillar 3508C diesels, producing 1,050 hp at 1,600 rpm. The Cats are connected to 78", 4-bladed stainless steel propellers through Twin Disc MG-540 reduction gears. The propulsion package gives the new towboat a running speed of 8 knots. With a draft of 8'6"-8'9", the new towboat will be used on the inland river system and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Capacities for the boat include 24,000 gals, of fuel and 7,200 gals, water. Ship's service power is provided by three John Deere 4045-powered gensets, sparking 99 kW of electrical power each. The electronics suite is from Engine Monitor Inc. The Michael Akiu #86 carries a crew of six.
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