US shipyards to build Rio Grande LNG tugs

Gulf LNG Tugs of Brownsville has signed contracts with two US yards for the construction of four tugboats which will serve NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG export facility in Texas.

Gulf LNG Tugs of Brownsville is a joint venture formed by Bay-Houston Towing, Moran Towing, and Suderman & Young Towing to provide tug services for RGLNG under a long-term tug services deal.

Following a bid process and in consultation with RGLNG, the JV selected Alabama-based Master Boat Builders and Texas-based Sterling Shipyard to each construct two tugs, according to a joint statement.

The partners did not reveal the price tag of the contract.

Each shipyard will construct two Z-Tech 30-80 tugboats designed by naval architect Robert Allan Ltd.

These tugs represent a proven workhorse in Gulf Coast ports, where affiliates of Gulf LNG Tugs already operate 10 of the same hull design, the statement said.

Also, the tugboats will be classed by ABS, while the main propulsion engines are Caterpillar 3516 E, complying with EPA Tier-4 emission standards.

Main engines are connected to Schottel SRP 510 FP-Z drives fitted with 2.8-meter propellers.

The new tugboats will have an overall length of 98.5 feet (30 meters), beam of 42.7 feet (14.5 meters), and a bollard pull of 80 metric tonnes.

Additionally, each will be equipped with firefighting capabilities.

NextDecade took a final investment decision in July on the first three trains of its Rio Grande LNG export project in Texas and completed $18.4 billion project financing.

It awarded the $12 billion EPC contract to Bechtel.

Phase 1, with nameplate liquefaction capacity of 17.6 mtpa, has 16.2 mtpa of long-term binding LNG sale and purchase agreements.

These include deals with TotalEnergies, Shell, ENN, Engie, ExxonMobil, Guangdong Energy Group, China Gas Hongda Energy Trading, Galp, and also Itochu.

- Advertisements -

Most Popular

DNV: eight LNG-powered vessels ordered in September

Classification society DNV has added eight LNG-powered ships to its Alternative Fuels Insight platform in September, 13 ships less...

MET opens Singapore office as part of LNG expansion plans

Switzerland-based energy trader MET Group has set up an office in Singapore as it works to expand its liquefied...

PetroVietnam Gas says to launch Thi Vai LNG import terminal in October

PetroVietnam Gas, a unit of state-owned PetroVietnam, said it will officially launch its Thi Vai LNG import terminal, the...

More News Like This

NextDecade gets $356 million loan for Rio Grande LNG

US LNG firm NextDecade has secured a loan worth $356 million to finance a portion of the first phase...

Air Products secures Rio Grande LNG gig

US LNG equipment specialist Air Products has won a contract from compatriot Bechtel to provide equipment for NextDecade’s Rio...

Great Lakes to start Rio Grande LNG dredging job later this year

US firm Great Lakes Dredge & Dock expects to start dredging work related to NextDecade's Rio Grande LNG export...

NextDecade charters two Dynagas LNG carriers

NextDecade's Rio Grande LNG has chartered two liquefied natural gas carriers from NYSE-listed Dynagas LNG Partners. The limited partnership formed...