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SUWANNEE RIVER
Photo by: Captain Ted

Built in 2000, by Halter Marine Services Incorporated of Lockport, Louisiana (hull #1837) as the Suwannee River for Hvide Marine Incorporated of Tampa, Florida.

She is a Mark II SDM. The Mark II SDM's were designed with slightly larger accommodation spaces. As well as other improvements based on operational experience, and powered by Wartsila diesel engines.

The tug is a SDM (Ship Docking Module) Seabulk Towing holds the patent license on the SDM design. The engines are coupled to the z-drives, mounted along the centerline of the tug which incorporate the speed reduction gearing, and steering, allowing the propeller, and nozzle to rotate 360 degrees.

SDM tugs where constructed with a semi flat bottom to the hull. With two, diametrically opposed azimuthing z drives. Which allow for 100 percent of the tug's 120,000(lbs) of bollard pull to be applied in any direction while stationary against a ship’s hull.

The tug can theoretically propel itself sideways at six knots, forward, and astern at up to 12.5(kts). The boats are stabilized in the water with 12(ft) skegs forward, and aft. While in a ship assist mode, the SDM’s centrifugal, fendering system allows the boat to utilize every point of its hull to control and maneuver a ship.

In 2000, Hvide Marine Incorporated was acquired by Seabulk Towing Services Incorporated of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2023, the tug was acquired by the E.N. Bisso and Son Company of Metairie, Louisiana. Where she retained her name.

In 2023, the tug was phased out of active service and was "laid up" at Theodore, Alabama.

Powered by two, Wartsila 9L20C diesel engines. With Ulstein 1650H z-drives, outfitted with stainless steel propellers. For a rated 4,200 horsepower.

The tug's electrical service is provided by two, 65kW generator sets. Driven by two, Caterpillar 3306 diesel engines. Her capacities are 16,900 gallons of fuel, 1,300 gallons of lube and hydraulic oil, and 1,300 gallons of potable water.

Her deck equipment consists of a Markey DYSF-39, hydraulic, hawser winch. Outfitted with 500(ft) of 8(in) Amsteel Blue, nylon rope.


  • Vessel Name: SUWANNEE RIVER
  • USCG Doc. No.: 1095183
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 9207912
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WCZ7163
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 1837
  • Ship Builder: HALTER MARINE INC.
  • Year Built: 2000
  • Length: 86.7
  • Hailing Port: PORT EVERGLADES, FL.
  • Hull Depth: 10.8
  • Hull Breadth: 50
  • Gross Tonnage: 187
  • Net Tonnage: 127
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Suwannee River
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Hvide Marine, Inc., TA MARINE III CORP, SEABULK TOWING INC, ANC OF AMERICA LEASING & CAPITAL LLC.