Washburn & Doughty to Build Glosten HT-60 for SLSDC

    MASSENA, NY, January 10, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) announced that it has awarded the construction of its new ASD (Z-drive) harbor tug to Washburn & Doughty Associates, Inc. of East Boothbay, Maine. The HT-60, the smallest in the Harbor Tug series developed by Glosten, a US based naval architecture firm, is slated for delivery in 2021.

"This new vessel will be used to carry out a variety of construction and maintenance duties for the US portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway, including routine maintenance of lock gates, maintenance and positioning of aids to navigation, ice management, and removal of accumulated ice from lock walls," said Craig Middlebrook, Deputy Administrator of the SLSDC.

The Glosten HT-60 is designed to capitalize on the operating advantages afforded by a broad bow form with a semi-raised foc'sle deck and full visibility and winch controls from a single operating station in the pilothouse. To perform its intended work functions in ice, the hull has been ice-strengthened to ABS Ice Class C0 standards. The Z-drive units are powered by a pair of EPA Tier 3 diesel engines turning carbon fiber shafts for a combined 1,320 BHP at 1,800 RPM. At 60' overall, the tug is right-sized for maneuvering inside lock chambers, with a wide 28' beam to improve performance in ice and enhance stability for deck crane operations.

"Washburn & Doughty is proud to be selected by SLSDC to build its new Z-drive tug. We look forward to working with both SLSDC and Glosten on this exciting design," states Katie Doughty Maddox, President of Washburn & Doughty.

About SLSDC: The SLSDC is a wholly owned Government Corporation within the US Department of Transportation, responsible for the operations and maintenance of the US portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway between Montreal and Lake Erie. Since the waterway's opening in 1959, nearly 3 billion metric tons of cargo valued at more than $450 billion has moved on the St. Lawrence Seaway. Maritime commerce on the Great Lakes Seaway System annually sustains 237,000 US and Canadian jobs and generates $35 billion in economic activity.

About Washburn & Doughty: Washburn & Doughty specializes in the design and construction of steel and aluminum vessels. Founded in 1977, the yard delivers a diverse mix of tugboats, passenger vessels, research vessels, barges, and fishing vessels. Construction takes place in state-of-the-art, climate-controlled construction facilities located on 5.75 acres of working waterfront.

About Glosten: Glosten is a full-service consulting firm of naval architects and marine, electrical, production, and ocean engineers. Founded in 1958, the firm is recognized throughout the marine industry for integrating advanced analysis with practical, experience-based design. Glosten has designed a wide variety of tugs for services ranging from deep ocean towing to ship escort/assist and inland river pushing.

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