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HOKU KE'A
Pictured as: the Hoku Ke'a (Young Brothers) Photo by: Captain Rick Wilson

Built in 1991, by the Bollinger Marine Fabricators of Amelia, Louisiana (hull #243) as the Hoku Ke'a for the Young Brothers Company of Honolulu, Hawaii.

In 2013, the Young Brothers Company was acquired by Foss Marine Holdings of Seattle, Washington. Where the tug retained her name.

In 2021, she was acquired by Dawn Marine Services Incorporated of Gretna, Louisiana. Where the tug was renamed as the Southern Dawn.

Powered by two, EMD 16-645-E6 diesel engines. With Reintjes WAF 1960 reduction gears, turning two, 112(in), three bladed, fixed pitch propellers. Mounted in kort nozzles and outfitted with triple rudders. She is a twin screw tug, rated at 3,900 horsepower.

Her electrical service is provided by two, Detroit Diesel 6-71 generator sets. The tug's capacities are 103,000 gallons of fuel.

The towing equipment consists of a double drum, Markey TDSD-32 towing winch. Outfitted with 2,400(ft) of 2(in) towing wire.


  • Vessel Name: HOKU KE'A
  • USCG Doc. No.: 973434
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • IMO Number: 9032800
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted, Registry
  • Call Sign: WCU5445
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 243
  • Ship Builder: BOLLINGER MACHINE SHOP
  • Year Built: 1991
  • Length: 108
  • Hailing Port: NEW ORLEANS, LA.
  • Hull Depth: 16.9
  • Hull Breadth: 34
  • Gross Tonnage: 79
  • Net Tonnage: 54
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Hoku Ke'a
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    YOUNG BROTHERS LTD