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PALO DURO
Pictured as: the Palo Duro (Kirby Corporation) Photo by: Sam Draye

Built in 1981, by the Louis G. Ortis Boat Company of Krotz Springs, Louisiana (hull #124) as the Jill for the Republic Towing Corporation of Houston, Texas.

In 1984, the tug was acquired by Coastal Towing Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where she was renamed as the Betty Hart.

In 1990, she was acquired by Dixie Marine Incorporated of Houston, Texas. Where the tug was renamed as the Palo Duro.

In 1998, the tug was acquired by the Kirby Corporation of Channelview, Texas. Where she retained her name.

Powered by two, Caterpillar 3408 diesel engines. With Caterpillar reduction gears, at a ratio of 6.48:1. She is a twin screw, towboat, rated at 800 horsepower.


  • Vessel Name: PALO DURO
  • USCG Doc. No.: 6324050
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted
  • Call Sign: WDC2680
  • Hull Material: STEEL
  • Hull Number: 124
  • Ship Builder: LOUIS G. ORTIS BOAT CO.
  • Year Built: 1981
  • Length: 55.8
  • Hailing Port: WILMINGTON, DE.
  • Hull Depth: 9.2
  • Hull Breadth: 24.1
  • Gross Tonnage: 89
  • Net Tonnage: 131
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Jill, Betty Hart, Palo Duro
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Republic Towing Corp., Coastal Towing Inc., Dixie Marine Inc., KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, KIRBY INLAND MARINE LP