April 1977 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News

First Of Two New Powerful Tugs Placed In Service By Bay-Houston

One of the most powerful harbor tugs for regular use at ports on the Texas coast was christened recently by Philip Kuebler, greatgreat grandson of Capt. W.D.

Haden, founder of Bay-Houston Towing Co.

The 3,200-hp Philip K is one of two new tugs being placed in service by Bay-Houston Towing Co. to handle the newer and larger tankers, LASH and containerships expected to be calling at Gulf ports in the future. Fitted with Kort nozzles, the twin-screw vessels are designed to work equally well under confined harbor conditions or offshore. The tug is classified by the American Bureau of Shipping for ocean service.

Power is supplied for the 96- foot by 32-foot vessel by two Polar Nohab 4-cycle V8 diesel engines. The heavy-duty hull is designed for safe, efficient work while going astern as well as forward, with the twin rudder, twin screw and Kort nozzles giving the helmsman excellent control of the tug at all times.

Other design features include full 360-degree visibility for the helmsman, narrow deckhouse to allow the tug to work vessels with pronounced bow flare, and a modern firefighting foam system.

Electronics includes single-sideband VHF-FM radios, loran, radar, and a recording digital readout Fathometer.

Crew comfort and efficiency are enhanced by full air-conditioning, modern quarters, and a complete stainless-steel galley. Environmental protection is maintained through the use of holding tanks and other approved waste disposal devices.

The Philip K and its sister vessel were designed by J.L. Bludworth of Houston, and construction is by Todd Shipyards at Galveston, Texas.

Four generations of Capt. W.D.

Haden's family were present at the christening ceremonies at the Port of Galveston's Pier 14. Capt.

Haden's son, Cecil R. Haden, president of Bay-Houston Towing Co.; Captain Haden's grandchildren, W.D. Haden II, chairman of the board, and Barbara Haden Neuhaus; Mrs. Neuhaus's daughter, Mrs. Mark Kuebler, and her son Philip, namesake of the new tug, whose father, Mark Kuebler, is also active in Bay-Houston Towing Co.

The Bay-Houston Towing Company fleet of tugs provides harbor and coastwise towing in the Ports of Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Freeport and Texas City, Texas.

Other stories from April 1977 issue

Content

Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.