(Published by TOWLINES Offshore Newsletter May 11, 2022) Diversified Marine in Portland, Oregon has been building Robert Allan RApport tugs since 2000 for local operator and charterer Brusco Tug & Barge. The latest was named Athena– the tenth in this line—that was recently delivered to Brusco before being turned over to Crowley Maritime for a… Continue reading Robert Allan’s 78′ RApport 2500D pulls 96 tons
Category: Commercial craft
Foiling Survey Boats Keep Grain Ships Moving on Columbia River
For the last year, the west coast shipping news has been dominated by the huge fleet of container ships waiting to unload Asian imports in southern California, but the media spotlight may soon turn to a very different cargo—American wheat for export. This vital commodity rarely attracts much attention, but the hostilities/war between Russia and… Continue reading Foiling Survey Boats Keep Grain Ships Moving on Columbia River
Schooner Creek–Top West Coast Yard for 64′ Charter Catamarans
Schooner Creek Boat Works has been a fixture in the Portland sailing scene since 1977, when founder Steve Rander opened the doors of a wooden boat shop beside the Columbia River’s South Channel, next to the I-5 freeway. In those early years, it was very much a small-boat shop doing restorations and repairs using the… Continue reading Schooner Creek–Top West Coast Yard for 64′ Charter Catamarans
2021–Diversified’s Ninth RApport Tug for Brusco
The Pacific Northwest has been the center for tug construction on the west coast for at least the last 40 years, during which the azimuthing stern drive (ASD) and the use of computer-aided lofting and cutting have revolutionized the way tugs are built and used. This has had the effect of allowing a typical ASD… Continue reading 2021–Diversified’s Ninth RApport Tug for Brusco
Wrecks of the Oregon Coast–Emily Reed to New Carissa
The remains of the sailing ship Peter Iredale at the northwest tip of Oregon are well-known as the most visited wreck on the West Coast. But for hardcore shipwreck fans, the real achievement is to see one of the unpredictable “disappearing” wrecks of the Pacific Northwest. This demands great patience, low tides, and a great… Continue reading Wrecks of the Oregon Coast–Emily Reed to New Carissa
Fred Wahl Opens New Yard on 38 Acre Island
Bolon Island Move “We’ve really outgrown the old boatyard. Having just one ways really slows us down,” stated Fred’s son Mike Wahl. “On the new property we will be able to haul a large number of boats and move them under cover for painting, major repairs, sponsons, mid-bodies, or deck modifications,” he explained. The Bolon… Continue reading Fred Wahl Opens New Yard on 38 Acre Island
Caden Foss: 110′ Multi-Purpose Tier 4 Tug
The Pacific Northwest has been at the forefront of North American tug design since the 1980’s, and has brought many innovations to both ship-handling and long-haul tugs. Over the years, a handful of boats have attempted to combine both these functions in one hull, but the goal of a truly “multi-purpose tug” has remained elusive.… Continue reading Caden Foss: 110′ Multi-Purpose Tier 4 Tug
2017: Old Astoria Pilot Boat Arrow 2 Returns
The pilot boat Arrow 2 disappeared from the Astoria waterfront in 2012 and has been greatly missed by the seamen who admired its unique traditional hull shape and general low-tech appearance. There was much speculation about its final disposition: would it become a reserve boat for Foss, be converted into a pleasure boat, or rust… Continue reading 2017: Old Astoria Pilot Boat Arrow 2 Returns
Astoria Yard’s WW II YMS Minesweepers
AMCCO Shipyard’s Minesweeper (YMS) Production Remembered The 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor last December gives us a chance to review the incredible history of the “war at home” in Astoria—a time when thousands of ordinary women performed extraordinary feats in many traditionally male-dominated jobs. Every aspect of their daily life was affected… Continue reading Astoria Yard’s WW II YMS Minesweepers
The Flettner Rotor Makes a Comeback!
The new hybrid ship designs were pioneered in Scandinavia where ecological hydro-power has long been the standard for utilities. The public demand for more clean power use has led to the introduction of hybrid propulsion in several new ferries and short-haul cargo vessels. So I expected this to be the “gold standard” for green shipping… Continue reading The Flettner Rotor Makes a Comeback!