It is not often that a newly built tug appears in Halifax harbour, so it was more than a little surprising to see one on June 15. I have no idea when it arrived in Halifax, because it was already at work on the waterfront when I saw it.
It is a type that is very common on inland waters in the United States and is usually referred to as a "truckable pushboat". About 25 feet long it is equipped with a pair of push knees and a towing bitt. On boats of this type the wheelhouse and its deck structure are usually demountable for road transport.
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It appears to be one of the standard designs built by Progressive Industrial Inc of Palmetto, FL. Measuring 25' x 10' x 4' draft, and powered by a 310 hp Cummins engine driving a single screw and with flanking rudders.
I have not seen any registration information nor a registration number, but it was working with some sectional scows owned by Eagle Beach Contracting Ltd, which were in use installing some steel piling reinforcement on the Sackville pier.
An ideal type of craft for sheltered waters, it will likely become a familiar sight in the harbour.
It deserves a name and as soon as I detect one, I will post an update. (It may be under 15 gross tons and thus will be registered by number only, with the name being an unofficial one.)
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