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BUCHANAN 5
Pictured as: the Taft Beach (Norfolk Tug) Photo by: Marc Piche

Built in 1982, by Offshore Shipbuilders Incorporated of Houma, Louisiana (hull #8) as the Taft Beach for Douglas Marine Towing Incorporated of Chesapeake, Virginia.

In 2007, the tug was acquired by the Norfolk Tug Company of Norfolk, Virginia. Where she retained her name.

In 2018, she was acquired by Buchanan Marine Limited Partnership Incorporated of New Haven, Connecticut. Where the tug was renamed as the Buchanan 5.

Powered by two, Tier II compliant, Caterpillar 3508C diesel engines. With Twin Disc MG540 reduction gears, at a ratio of 6.18:1. Turning two, 74(in) by 60(in), four bladed, stainless steel propellers. For a rated 2,600 horsepower.

Her electrical service is provided by two, Tier II compliant, 65kW, John Deere generator sets. The tug's capacities are 33,500 gallons of fuel, 450 gallons of lube oil, and 4,000 gallons of water.

The towing equipment consists of a double drum, Smatco, waterfall, towing winch.


  • Vessel Name: BUCHANAN 5
  • USCG Doc. No.: 647773
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 8886589
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WBQ9253
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 8
  • Ship Builder: Offshore Shipbuilders Inc.
  • Year Built: 1982
  • Length: 72
  • Hailing Port: NEW HAVEN, CT.
  • Hull Depth: 10.7
  • Hull Breadth: 26
  • Gross Tonnage: 118
  • Net Tonnage: 80
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    TAFT BEACH
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    DOUGLAS MARINE TOWING, INC., A 1 TOWING, NORFOLK TUG COMPANY, GILMERTON TUGS LLC