We are proud to announce the christening of three new high-horsepower ASD (Azimuth Stern Drive) tractor tugs, the George James Moran, Patricia B. Moran, and Paul T. Moran, during a ceremony held on June 20th in Norfolk, Virginia.
A special thank you to our crews and local team whose hard work and coordination made this event possible. Their dedication not only brought this day together but even more importantly, powers our operations every day.
The Paul T. Moran and Patricia B. Moran are currently operating in Norfolk, VA.
These vessels are the latest additions to our new build program, reflecting our ongoing investment in safety, performance, environmental responsibility, and in the people who operate them. Every detail of these tugs was designed not only to meet the evolving demands of larger vessels now calling at ports along the East and Gulf Coasts, but also to better support and protect the crews on board.
Delivered in 2024, all three vessels have entered our daily operations along the East Coast. Each tug measures 86 feet in length with a 16-foot draft and is powered by twin Tier IV Caterpillar 3512 engines, producing a combined 5,100 horsepower. Kongsberg US 205 Z-drives provide superior maneuverability, and each tug delivers at least 67 tons of bollard pull. All are equipped with Markey DEPCF-48 bow winches and certified by ABS as ✠A1, ✠AMS, Towing Vessel, Escort Vessel, LEV (Low Emission Vessel), and UWILD (Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Drydocking).
The George James Moran is currently operating in Baltimore, MD.
The Paul T. Moran and George James Moran, built by Washburn & Doughty, include firefighting systems with two monitors and a 3,000+ GPM pump. Both are outfitted with non-marking submarine fendering and a hydraulic brow ramp to support both commercial harbor operations and specialized work for the Navy. The Patricia B. Moran, built by Master Boat Builders, shares the same high-performance standards and crew-focused design.
Each tug honors a person whose legacy is meaningful to Moran. The Paul T. Moran is named for Paul Tregurtha, maritime legend, longtime Chairman of the Board, whose leadership shaped the company’s vision and positioned the business for long-term success. The George James Moran honors George James Marcou, grandson of James R. Barker, Moran’s Vice Chairman of the Board. The Patricia B. Moran is named for Patricia Bouley, wife of longtime Moran executive and former CFO Jeff McAulay.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special occasion, including our employees, local port communities, partners, families of the namesakes, and valued customers.
