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ORION (1982)
Pictured as: the Matthew McAllister (McAllister Towing) Photo by: Marc Piche

Built in 1982, by Mid Coast Marine Incorporated of Coos Bay, Oregon (hull #9910) as the T. T. America for the Willamette Tug and Barge Company of Portland, Oregon.

In 1988, the Willamette Tug and Barge company was acquired by by the Brix Maritime Company of Seattle, Washington. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1993, the Brix Maritime Company was acquired by the Foss Maritime Company of Seattle, Washington. Where the tug was renamed as the America.

In 2006, the Foss Maritime Company acquired the Constellation Maritime Company of Manchester, Massachusetts. Where the Constellation Maritime Company became a subsidiary of the Foss Maritime Company.

In 2008, tug was transferred to operations in Boston, Massachusetts. Under the Constellation Maritime Company of Manchester, Massachusetts. Where she was renamed as the Orion.

In 2011, the Constellation Maritime Company was absorbed back into the Foss Maritime Company of Seattle, Washington. Where the tug retained her name. And, remained in Boston, Massachusetts.

In 2012, the tug was acquired by the McAllister Towing and Transportation Company of New York, New York. Where she was renamed as the Matthew McAllister. The tug was the sixth tractor tug acquired by McAllister Towing.

She is the first Voith cycloidal drive, towing vessel in McAllister Towing's fleet. And, the twenty-sixth tractor tug to enter service for McAllister Towing and Transportation.

Powered by two, GM EMD 12V-645-E6 diesel engines. With Voith reduction gears, turning two five bladed, Voith cycloidal drives. For a rated 3,000 horsepower.

Her electrical service is provided by a ,115kW, 277/480V, generator. Driven by a GM Detroit Diesel 6071-T diesel engine. And, a 115 kW, 277/480V, Lima generator. Driven by a GM Detroit 6-71-T, diesel engine. The tug's capacities are 23,188 gallons of fuel oil, 720 gallons of lube oil, and 2,652 gallons of water.

The towing equipment consists of an INTERcon SD-150 towing winch, with a Markey capstan, and windlass. As well as an anchor winch, and 375(ft) of 9(in) Sampson stable braid for a stern line.
(Bruce Moyer, Kyle Stubbs)


  • Vessel Name: ORION (1982)
  • USCG Doc. No.: 651187
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 8127505
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WDE6514
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 9910
  • Ship Builder: MID COAST MARINE INC
  • Year Built: 1982
  • Length: 95
  • Hailing Port: NEW YORK, NY.
  • Hull Depth: 13.6
  • Hull Breadth: 32
  • Gross Tonnage: 199
  • Net Tonnage: 135
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    T. T. America, AMERICA, ORION
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Willamette Tug and Barge Co., BRIX MARITIME CO, Foss Maritime Company, CONSTELLATION MARITIME COMPANY, FOSS ATLANTIC INC, FOSS MARITIME COMPANY, MCALLISTER TOWING AND TRANSPORTATION COMPANY INC