Newbuild Tug Pair Enhances EN Bisso Towage Operations in US Ports
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New Orleans-headquartered EN Bisso & Son has chartered two ABS escort-class harbour tugs to support operations at growing US Gulf LNG export terminals. The tugs Titan and Marauder were built by Master Boat Builders in Alabama for investment group Maritime Partners and are on long-term charter to EN Bisso. Delivered in June and August 2026, the vessels enhance towing capacity along the US Gulf Coast as new LNG export and container transshipment terminals open at US ports.
Details of the Charter
EN Bisso & Son has expanded its fleet. It chartered two ABS-class harbour tugs. These are 2026-built vessels. They will support US Gulf operations. The focus is on growing LNG export terminals.
The vessels came through a charter arrangement. They are the tugs Titan and Marauder. Master Boat Builders constructed them in Alabama. They were built for investment group Maritime Partners. EN Bisso holds them on long-term charter.
The Collaboration
The charter reflects an ongoing partnership. It involves EN Bisso and Maritime Partners. The vessels are part of a multi-vessel series. Maritime Partners built them for charter. EN Bisso brings ship-escort tug experience.
The deliveries marked collaboration milestones. Marauder was delivered in June. Titan followed in August. Both companies described these as milestones. They reflect an ongoing effort to enhance Gulf towing capacity.
The Market Driver
The vessels respond to growing demand. New terminals are opening at US ports. These include LNG export terminals. Container transshipment terminals are also emerging. This drives demand for towage support.
EN Bisso is positioning for this demand. Company leadership cited growing customer needs. The vessels expand the company's fleet capacity. They position it to meet rising demand. This continues its tradition of supporting US port commerce.
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Vessel Design and Capabilities
The tugs share a common design. They are 27-metre vessels. They follow Robert Allan's RApport 2700 design. This suits escort and harbour work. They can escort, manoeuvre, berth and undock ships.
The vessels have strong specifications. They have a beam of 13 metres. Their bollard pull exceeds 70 tonnes. Twin high-speed diesel engines drive azimuth thrusters. Exhaust aftertreatment systems minimise NOx emissions.
Standards and Deployment
The vessels meet strict standards. They comply with US EPA Tier 4 requirements. They hold multiple ABS notations. These cover escorting and towing. Firefighting capabilities are also included.
The vessels are already in service. Marauder operated in Ingleside, Texas earlier. It was in New Orleans on 1 September. Titan was in Mobile, Alabama in August. This demonstrates the vessels entering active operations.
Significance of the Investment
The vessels represent a strategic investment. Maritime Partners structured the charter. It supported the vessels from construction to deployment. Its leadership cited strengthening the domestic maritime industry. The vessels support Jones Act trade.
The charter benefits multiple parties. EN Bisso gains fleet capacity. Maritime Partners deploys its vessels commercially. The collaboration also involves the shipbuilder. A third vessel, Defiant, was recently launched in the same series.
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This article was contributed by an external writer affiliated with our publication.
