Tug-building slowdown spawns creativity and more availability

摘要

A year ago, new tug construction was still hot after a feverish 2007, and slower but steady demand wasrnexpected this year and beyond. But that was before the world economy tanked.rn"These are some interesting times," said Jonathan Parrott of Jensen Maritime Consultants, Seattle. Some boatyards have experienced a slowdown in new construction contracts, but Parrott feels "things are beginning to pick up again." However, as part of the process, a few tug-building yards have been engaging in some creative risk taking.rnIn one case, Parrott said a yard had contracts for tugs that "weren't going to come to fruition," but at the same time had Z-drives that were about to be delivered.