Monday, July 18, 2011

Classic tug arrives




The veteran tug Evans McKeil made one of its infrequent arrivals in Halifax this morning towing the floating drydock HM Dock 1. [see also Shipfax.]




The tug was built in 1936 in Balboa, Panama Canal Zone by the Panama Railroad Co. and named Alhajuela. Originally a diesel electric vessel of a modest 750 bhp, it has been rebuilt and reconditioned several times in its long life.


In 1970 Malcom Marine of Port Huron, MI acquired the tug and ran it as Barbara Ann until 1989.


In that year McKeil Workboats of Hamilton ON became the owners and added an elevated wheelhouse for barge work. It is named for the founder of the company, the late Evans McKeil. In its current configuration the tug is powered by two GM EMD engines, geared to a single screw, giving 2150 bhp.


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