In this issue

American Tugboat Review is an annual special issue published by Professional Mariner magazine. ATR, as it's known, features profiles of notable tugboats already delivered or under construction along with full spec sheets. The issue has dozens of smaller articles on tug and towboats delivered over the last 12 months and a comprehensive industry overview and coverage of industry trends, new designs and technology.

Construction Down Following Tier 3 Building Boom, Oil Woes

The rush to lay keels before EPA Tier 4 emis-sions rules took effect contributed to a surge of new construction in recent years.

9 mins

First Rotortug arrives on American shores

Harbor tugboats with three z-drives were first introduced almost two decades ago. The first of these so-called Rotortugs has finally reached North American shores. 

6 mins

Harley Marine pulls industry into Tier 4 era

Some tugboats are built for long-distance ocean towing, while others are nimble and powerful enough to dock big ships. Harley Marine Services’ Earl W. Redd is the rare vessel that performs both jobs equally well.

6 mins

McAllister Solidifies Fleet With New Tier 4 Tugs

McAllister Towing and Transportation decided to build Capt. Brian A. McAllister, the most powerful docking and escort tug in its fleet, to handle big containerships expected in East Coast ports following the recent expansion of the Panama Canal.

6 mins

Foss Puts Spec-built Tier 4 Tug To Work In California

Perhaps not surprisingly, one of the first EPA Tier 4 emissions-compliant tugboats is destined for California, a state where residents and regulators are passionate about clean air.

6 mins

Vane Brothers Welcomes Another Model-bow Workhorse

In an era where more operators are using articulated tug-barge units to move oil and fuel, the model bow tugboat might seem like a throwback.

5 mins

Great Lakes' New Tug Class Designed For Simplicity, Versatility

When the time came to upgrade Great Lakes Towing Co.’s fleet, com-pany President Joe Starck wanted a design that matched the existing boats’ capabilities while adding power and versatility.

6 mins

Moran Bolsters Norfolk Fleet With Beamy 93-footer

East Coast ports are competing for the larger containerships now moving through the Panama Canal, and tugboat companies that work these harbors are bulking up to meet demand. Moran Towing’s 6,000-hp Clayton W. Moran, which arrived in the Port of Virginia in March, is the latest example.

4 mins

Petchem Tug Turning Heads In Busy Florida Port

With larger ships now calling in at many East Coast ports, tugboat operators have responded by building more powerful azimuthing stern drive (ASD) tugboats that are more capable of safely docking, undocking and escorting the massive vessels.

4 mins

New Workboat Replaces Venerable Nassco Yard Tug

When it came time to replace the venerable Mr. Ed, a yard tug that has served General Dynamics NASSCO for more than 35 years, there was no need to reinvent a proven performer — a couple of tweaks here, an equipment upgrade there and cleaner-burning engines filled the bill.

4 mins

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Professional Mariner Magazine Description:

Tugs, towboats, cargo, government, passenger, spill response, pilot boats, offshore support, salvage, dredge and fireboats - Professional Mariner covers them all. Plus, only Professional Mariner gives you all the essential information you need to advance your maritime business or career including the latest news and in-depth, investigative reporting on maritime casualties, regulations, legislation, shipbuilding, safety, technology, business/management issues and more.